Gov. Mary Fallin has declared a state of emergency after more than two-dozen wildfires destroyed dozens of homes.
HARRAH, Okla. --
Gov. Mary Fallin has declared a state of emergency for all 77 Oklahoma counties due to more than two-dozen wildfires that have prompted evacuations in some areas and destroyed dozens of homes.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all Oklahomans who have been impacted by these fires as well as our emergency responders in harms’ way,” Fallin said. “We know homes, as well as other property, have been lost and we will work to do everything we can to help Oklahomans during their time of need.”
The wildfires were burning across central Oklahoma on Friday, the most serious of which, as of 2 p.m., was in Harrah. Crews also battled flames in an agriculture building behind Harrah High School.
The Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office announced that 39 homes were destroyed in Oklahoma County: 30 in Harrah, and nine in Choctaw. Officials said they expected the number to grow to possibly 50 to 55.
At least 19 fire departments and 10 law enforcement agencies have assisted in fighting the fires.
Investigators said they believe the initial fires were not intentionally set, but the additional small fires were the result of arson.
Police are looking for two persons driving a white or gray late 80s or early 90s pickup truck.
Police are only letting residents back into the damaged neighborhoods if they can prove they live in the area.
According to the Oklahoma County Sheriff's office, a fire near Reno Avenue and Luther Road prompted the evacuation of Harrah High School and Harrah Junior High. Neither school was damaged in the blaze, officials said.
Oklahoma Forestry Services, city and rural fire department officials said they were battling several large fires burning east of a line running from the Kansas border along Interstate 35 to Oklahoma City and south along Interstate 44 toward Lawton.
Fire crews in Beggs, Harrah, Goldsby, Newcastle and Shawnee and OFS personnel help fight the flames from the air.
"Under these extreme fire conditions this is not the time to stay in a home being threatened by fire, and we are urging people to heed any request to evacuate," said state forester George Geissler. "If you are in your car, do not drive into smoke. Limited visibility can result in accidents. The safety of the public and firefighters is of utmost concern at this time."
Michelle Finch-Walker, of OFS, said red flag warnings were issued for the entire state and they have been urging people to be extremely cautious with any outdoor activities that could spark wildfires.
Earlier in the afternoon, a large grass fire consumed a couple of barns about 2 miles west of Goldsby in McClain County. Smoke could be seen for dozens of miles, and KOCO meteorologist Damon Lane said viewers reported ash falling as far away as Moore.
No injuries were reported in that particular wildfire.
KOCO viewers also reported a grass fire near Stroud. The extent of damage from that blaze is also not yet known.
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