Wind, Dry Conditions Fuel Wildfire Near Geary

Firefighters say wind and excessively dry grass have led to setbacks while battling a large wildfire  near Geary.

The blaze started sometime Thursday evening in a canyon in Blaine County near Route 66. Since then, it's moved north about five miles towards the city of Geary. Authorities say if it gets any closer, they will begin evacuations in the city. All houses one mile to the west of Highway 281, outside the city limits, have been evacuated.

State Highway 281 is closed south of Geary. The Canadian County Sheriff's Office reported the fire destroyed several structures, including at least one house and a mobile home. 

The fire has burned an estimated 500 acres so far. Fire crews had it about 50 percent contained Friday morning, but the wind and dry conditions have made it difficult to maintain that containment. 

More than 100 firefighters and other groups from across the region have worked continuously for nearly 24 hours trying to control the fire. Friday morning, the Oklahoma Forestry Service sent crews to help battle the wildfire. They brought in four bulldozers, four wildland engines, two task force leaders and a tactical fixed-wing aircraft to help get the flames under control.

A spokesman for the city of Geary says no injuries have been reported.