Choctaw Mayor's Home Among Those Destroyed In Wildfire

News9.com

CHOCTAW, Oklahoma -- Choctaw Mayor Randy Ross was among more than a dozen families in the city to lose their homes to Friday's wildfire.

Authorities said flames destroyed at least 15 houses in Midwest City and Choctaw. The wildfire started around 2 p.m. in Midwest City, but spread rapidly into Choctaw. Firefighters who were already stretched thin by massive wildfires in Harrah and Goldsby raced to help.

Several schools in Choctaw were evacuated and other were used for students who couldn't get home because of the fires. At one point over 1,600 homes were without power in the area but according to OG&E, power was restored.

This is the second time this community has had to deal with this type of tragedy. Ross was in a meeting when he learned his home was one of those lost to the flames.

"This isn't such a good day for me nor several other people in Choctaw," said the mayor. "I can emphasize with those who have lost everything because I have lost everything."

Still Ross thanks the firefighter that convinced his wife to get out of the house and knows there are other blessings too including a new day tomorrow.

"A total loss, but no one was hurt," Ross said.

By Friday night, the wildfire was under control and almost out. It took 110 firefighters from 14 agencies to beat back the flames. Fire crews will be working through the night to battle hot spots and flare ups.

The American Red Cross opened an evacuation center for families forced out of their homes at Harmony Christian Church, 7100 S. Choctaw Road in Choctaw.