‘Red Fern’ film set destroyed in Oklahoma floods

ST. LOUIS (AP) – A leftover film set used in the 2003 remake of "Where the Red Fern Grows" has been destroyed by severe flooding in northeastern Oklahoma.

A barn and a cabin built on property owned by Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission administrator Ed Fite was washed away, and pieces of the oak structures are scattered in tree lines and pastures.

The original 1974 film based on the classic Wilson Rawls children’s novel was also shot on Fite’s property. After filming wrapped up on the remake, Fite says he convinced filmmakers to leave the buildings behind.

Fite estimated Wednesday that thousands of tourists, college students and vacationers have visited the iconic site.

The severe rains and flooding are blamed for at least five deaths and more than 100 injuries in Oklahoma.