Oklahoma Counties Combat Widespread Wildfires, More Than 8,700 Acres Burned
KOKH - February 27, 2024 4:28 pm
Sand Creek Fire (Photo: Oklahoma Fire Services)
OKLAHOMA (KOKH) — Multiple counties across Oklahoma continue to battle wildfires Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS), four fires have burned 8,755 acres.
One of the largest ones is the E1980 Rd Fire in Choctaw County.
Officials report the wildfire burned through 5,120 acres and is 30% contained as of Tuesday.
Another fire officials are responding to is the Sand Creek Fire in Harper County, which has burned 2,385 acres.
Fire officials report it’s 40% contained.
Sand Creek Fire (Photo: Oklahoma Fire Services)
The two other major wildfires in Oklahoma are the Marsh fire in Dewey County, which is 10% contained, and the Copenhaver fire in Woods County which is 50% contained.
Both have burned 500 acres.
Fire officials also reported two wildfires in Logan County.
One is near Orlando, the other near Crescent.
OK-51 at Pine was closed for a couple of hours Tuesday afternoon because of the wildfires but has since reopened.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) closed US-60 at US283 near Arnett in Ellis County at 2:15 p.m. because of low visibility from smoke.
ODOT advised drivers to avoid the area and take an alternate route.
US-283 and Country Dr 37 to OK15 West also closed at 3:10 p.m. due to a wildfire but reopened 20 minutes later.
The Texas panhandle also dealt with some severe wildfires on Tuesday.
At the request of the Oklahoma Forestry Services, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a fire warning for northwestern Ellis County.
Wildfire in Logan County near Orlando (KOKH/Brian Allen)
The NWS said a wildfire was located 10 miles north of Gage and strong winds impacted the fire site.
Highway 60 between Glazier and Higgins was shut down and drivers were advised to avoid the area.
The NWS warned residents to be prepared to evacuate quickly if needed and to follow safety instructions from local emergency management officials.
A fire warning was also issued for southeastern Beaver County.
Officials reported a wildfire was 6 miles northeast of Slapout, and moving south at 3 to 5 mps.
Evacuation orders were given to Oklahomans on the northern side of Slapout.
