Oklahoma grass fire forces evacuations, closes freeway

The Associated Press - March 23, 2018 10:16 am

CHICKASHA, Okla. (AP) – Residents of central Oklahoma are assessing the damage after a wildfire forced some residents to flee their homes.

Grady County emergency management official Amanda Wilkerson says evacuations were ordered Thursday as flames burned pastures and threatened structures near the H.E. Bailey Turnpike south of Bridge Creek.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says smoke prompted authorities to close part of the turnpike for about two hours Thursday afternoon.

The area is about 28 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. Authorities say sheds and vehicles were burned but no homes were damaged. No injuries have been reported, but the fire has burned about 100 acres.

Jamie Lewis owns a local pet grooming and boarding business. She says she wasn’t told to evacuate but could see flames through treetops.

 

Latest Stories

Citizens Police Academy Applications Online

If true crime podcasts and reruns of Cops are no longer satisfying your curiosity, the Ponca...

Former NOC Wrestling Coach Honored

Former NOC Wrestling Coach Bob Zweiachar was honored Oct. 31 at the NOC-Trinidad (CO) wrestling match...

Oklahoma Slashes Developmental Disabilities Waitlist From 13 Years to Two

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA — The Oklahoma Department of Human Services announced the reduction of the Developmental Disabilities...