Story: Oklahoma Wildfire

This story is written by Red Cross worker Nigel Holderby.

Dr. Olson, his wife and their 5 children, were evacuated from their home in Drumright, OK on the afternoon of 8/4 due to a massive wildfire that was raging in the immediate area. They fled their home, headed to Stillwater to a hotel near the hospital where Dr. Olson would report to work the next morning.

Dr. Olson is part of an emergency disaster team for his community. Knowing the need was great, they stopped in Cushing to assist the elderly and staff from the Drumright Nursing home, who had been evacuated to the American Red Cross Shelter there. The kids even pitched in to help their neighbors get situated as they anxiously waited to hear word that it was safe to return home.

The Olson family was not able to go to Stillwater that evening as they had planned. Every hotel room was booked for miles. They suddenly found themselves in need of emergency assistance from the Red Cross, which they received, no questions asked. Cots, blankets and a cool place to sleep for the night were provided to everyone.

Disaster does not discriminate nor does it care what your social standing might be. From patients to doctors, the very young to the senior citizen, the Red Cross is here. Providing the positive during times of disaster, providing hope in times of despair.