Wildfire Threatens Edmond Homes

Michael Konopasek, News 9

EDMOND, Oklahoma -- The drought has dried up much of the grass and trees in the metro. Those dry conditions are just fueling wildfires. Fire broke out in Edmond Thursday threatening homes in the area.

On Thursday, the sounds of sirens blaring, fire blazing, and smoking billowing were common near Coffee Creek Road and Sooner Road.

"It started off as a relatively small fire, but with this thick vegetation out here the fire is able to move pretty quickly," said Tim Wheeler, Edmond assistant fire chief.

The hungry fire kept crews busy throughout the afternoon, starting just before 2 p.m. Firefighters pushed back the flames under a record high temperature of 108.

"It's been pretty difficult," said Wheeler. "They're out here working in 100-degree temperatures. Without all these guys putting out just 110 percent, it would be very difficult."

The fire was on the forefront of residents' minds.

"[I'm] a little nervous about the wind," said resident Susan Huffer. "It's been changing directions and we've been seeing smoke in this area right across from the house, so we're a little concerned."

Residents along Sooner Road looked at the billowing smoke with fear in their eyes as the fire came their way.

"I'm scared to death," said resident Melodee Tarbutton. "It's just getting really close to us."

In the end, people in the area felt safe knowing the professionals had a handle on the flames.

"We'll be OK," said Tarbutton. "We've got a good fire department here working. We'll be all right."

Just before 8 p.m. Thursday, Chinook helicopters were in the sky dropping water over the heated area.

The dry conditions and wildfires have been keeping crews busy. There have been at least a dozen in the metro just this week.