Storms Ignite Second Tank Battery Fire in Wanette, Shutting Down Highway 39

A tank battery near Skelly Road and Highway 39 in Wanette erupted in a towering blaze Friday morning, moments after a round of thunderstorms passed through the area. KOCO’s Sky 5 helicopter captured the dramatic flames and thick plumes of smoke as emergency crews raced to the scene.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation quickly closed Highway 39 in both directions to ensure public safety while firefighters tackled the inferno. Officials are still investigating if lightning from the recent storms sparked this massive fire .

Remarkably, this is the second tank battery fire reported at this location in under a week. On May 29, storms triggered a similar blaze that sent one nearby home into evacuation mode while firefighters monitored the fire until it burned out safely.

Risks and Recurring Dangers

• Weather-triggered hazards: Lightning has been blamed for recent tank battery fires, including past incidents in Purcell and Amber, Oklahoma.

• Community disruptions: The highway closure halted traffic and raised concerns about the safety of nearby homes and residents.

• Environmental and safety threats: Fires like this risk spills, air pollution, and potential evacuations if they spread closer to populated areas.

Quotes from the Scene

Fire crews on-site confirmed that no injuries were reported during either fire. Still, the presence of nearby homes and highway traffic underscores the recurring vulnerability when tank batteries are exposed to lightning during storms .

What Comes Next

Authorities are evaluating whether additional protective measures—such as lightning rods or improved spacing—are needed to prevent future tank battery fires at this site. Residents are advised to stay clear of the highway closure and follow local updates.