Midwest City Community Honors Wildfire Responders

By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

MIDWEST CITY, Oklahoma -- It's been nearly a month since wildfires destroyed dozens of homes across the state and the metro.

In Midwest City the devastation could have been much worse if not for the outpouring of support.

The community is thanking those who responded with aid and support during the fires.

Twelve homes were destroyed in the grassfire, a number that likely could have been much bigger if it weren't for the response.

It's a day Midwest City won't soon forget. The large-scale grassfire was matched with an even bigger response.

"The fire department, the police department and all the rescue team helped us so much," a speaker at the community luncheon said. "It was phenomenal."

Those first responders, known to many in Midwest City as heroes, are back together for the first time to be honored for their efforts they gave on that devastating day.

"From the outside looking in it may have appeared catastrophic and unmanageable, but actually there is a system in place," Midwest City Fire Chief Randy Olsen said.

The system is one that the city admits wouldn't have worked as well as it did if it weren't for the community's willingness to help.

"The guys were working almost 24 hours and to keep them supplied with food and drink was really a big deal," City Manager Guy Henson said.

Midwest City's Fire Chief said there were a total of more than 500 responders the day of the fires.

Midwest City Police said they continue to investigate who started the fires but admit they have run out of leads.