Northeast OKC Wildfire Destroys Homes, Closes Roads

LaShauna Sewell, News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY – Firefighters say nearly three dozen families lost their homes Tuesday to a raging wildfire that burned about 5,000 acres.

Oklahoma City Fire Chief Keith Bryant tells News 9 the wildfire destroyed 21 houses and 12 mobile homes. The fire also destroyed one church, 21 barns, 43 cars and two recreational vehicles.

Firefighters had the wildfire contained by Wednesday morning. They plan to spend the day monitoring potential hot spots within a 12 square-mile area. They're concerned the hot spots could re-ignite and spread with the help of strong winds.

Despite the large property loss, no one was seriously injured in the wildfire. Three firefighters received minor injuries while battling the flames Tuesday.

Firefighters are still encouraging evacuated residents to stay out of the area. They will evaluate the area Wednesday to determine when it's safe enough for people to return to their homes.

Several roads in the fire zone remain closed. They are:

• Midwest Boulevard from N.E. 122nd Street to Britton Road
• Britton Road from Midwest Boulevard to Air Depot Boulevard
• Sooner Road from Wilshire Boulevard to NE 50th Street
• N.E. 63rd Street from Coltrane Road to Midwest Boulevard

Investigators don't know yet what started the fire.

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