Investigators Call Wildfires In Payne, Cleveland Counties 'Suspicious'

News 9 has confirmed three wildfires near Noble in Cleveland County are being called "suspicious," while another wildfire that burned near Cushing in Payne County Monday may have been sparked by an arsonist.

Tuesday, August 7th 2012, 11:06 am

By: News 9


News 9 has confirmed three wildfires near Noble in Cleveland County are being called "suspicious," while another wildfire that burned near Cushing in Payne County Monday may have been sparked by an arsonist.

The Payne County wildfire started Monday afternoon and burned dangerously close to homes between Cushing and Yale, but firefighters from Yale, Jennings, and Maramec were able to get it under control before the flames caused any damage.

According to Payne County Undersheriff Gary McKinnis, a suspect was seen in the 6600 block of East Deep Rock Road just before the fire started. The suspect was driving a red pickup truck. It's not known yet exactly how the fire started.

8/6/2012 Related Story: Firefighters Extinguish Wildfire In Payne County

The Oklahoma State Fire Marshall's Office confirmed three wildfires that burned near Noble on Friday and Saturday appear to be suspicious. Investigators believe the first fire reported on Friday near 126th and Cemetery Road is the blaze that claimed a person's life. The burned body was found Saturday in a home near 120th and Highway 9 in Norman. Authorities are still trying to identify the victim.

The State Fire Marshall's Office is working with the Norman Fire Department on the investigation.

"There were three fires in the same area in 24 hours," said Assistant State Fire Marshall JoAnne Sellars. "We need witnesses to help us."

Anyone who was in that area of Cleveland County on Friday and Saturday is asked to call the Oklahoma State Fire Marshall's Office at (405)-522-5005, or the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office.

Oklahoma Wildfires: Complete Coverage

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