Wellston firefighter Joe Flake died Sept. 8 after suffering a medical emergency while battling a 260-acre wildfire in Lincoln County. He had joined the department four months ago, after retiring from a career as a truck driver.

The Oklahoma City Fire Department and Edmond Fire Department were among more than a dozen agencies that issued condolences following Flake's death, joining departments in Luther, Little Axe, Cushing, Harrah, Newalla, Cashion, Orlando and the Deer Creek Fire Protection District, according to KFOR.

The fire broke out Sept. 7 in an outbuilding on a property near 820 Road and 3330 Road, just outside Carney. Flames spread to a house and two other outbuildings, burning more than 260 acres before crews from multiple agencies stopped the fire from advancing past 810 Road to the north, KOCO 5 reported. No one was home when the fire started. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced family.

Lincoln County Emergency Management said responders "experienced an incident within an incident with a mayday call broadcast" when Flake suffered the medical emergency on the fire line. Wellston Fire Chief Todd Beasley described his crew's response Monday.

"My guys stepped up, aid was rendered immediately, and we got him to the ambulance quickly," Beasley said.

Flake was transported to Stillwater Medical Center. Officials said the emergency was not believed to be related to smoke inhalation. The exact cause has not been disclosed.

Flake was a lifelong Wellston resident. Beasley told KOCO 5 that after Flake retired from truck driving, he approached the department on his own, completed the same testing required of every recruit and passed.

Oklahoma State Fire Marshal Keith Bryant said wildland firefighting is especially taxing on the body, noting that a firefighter's core temperature rises rapidly in those conditions, according to KOCO 5. Bryant said there is no statewide requirement for health and wellness programs at fire departments. Larger departments may offer fitness programs and medical assessments, but smaller volunteer departments may have little health monitoring.

Gov. Kevin Stitt ordered all American and Oklahoma flags flown at half-staff on state property from sunrise Sept. 9 through sunset Sept. 11, in Flake's honor, KOCO 5 reported. In a statement, Stitt said Flake's commitment to helping his neighbors reflected the best of Oklahoma.

State Sen. Grant Green, R-Wellston, called Flake a beloved member of his extended family in a statement reported by OKC Fox 25. Green said Flake was determined to give back to the people of Wellston after retiring from a long career.

Oklahoma is in a 100% drought, with 82% of the state experiencing severe drought or higher, according to The Oklahoman. As of Sept. 8, 56 of Oklahoma's 77 counties were under some level of burn ban. The cause of the Carney-area fire remains under investigation.