Governor Fallin: Luther Grass Fire Damage Is 'Heartbreaking'

Firefighters in Oklahoma have under control a wildfire that's suspected to be the work of arsonists.

8/3/2012 Related Story: Grass Fires Erupt In Parts Of Oklahoma

The fire near Luther burned dozens of homes and forced evacuations Friday. Gov. Mary Fallin toured the community Saturday morning, saying the fire and damage are "heartbreaking."

Officials estimate 56 homes and other buildings have been damaged by the blaze.

Oklahoma County Sheriff's spokesman Mark Myers says deputies are searching for the driver of a black Ford pickup that witnesses reported seeing tossing a lit newspaper out of the vehicle about 4 p.m. Friday.

Oklahoma Forestry Services spokeswoman Michelle Finch-Walker said the number of wildfires this year is shaping up to be among the worst in state history.

U.S. Rep. James Lankford and state Rep. Lewis Moore have both visited Luther following a wildfire that burned about 4 square miles and destroyed an estimated 56 homes and other buildings.

Both Republicans visited the eastern Oklahoma County town Saturday following the fire that began Friday afternoon.

Lankford said that seeing the destruction was "painful" and that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will evaluate the damage after the state asks for a disaster declaration.

Moore, whose district includes Luther, spoke with those whose homes were destroyed and praised the efforts of firefighters throughout the region.