Firefighters Still Battling Blaze in Stephens County

Staff and Wire Reports

VELMA, Oklahoma - Large grass fires caused residents in Velma and Loco to evacuate Thursday to the Stephens County Fairgrounds.

At least 14 homes and five businesses were destroyed in the town of Velma, officials said. Three of the homes were near the towns of Meridian and Loco, Sheriff Wayne McKinney said.

Velma-Alma schools are closed Friday because of high winds conditions expected to fuel fires across Stephens County and the state.

A blaze did refuel Friday afternoon, destroying at least one home. Firefighters had trouble controlling the reignited fire due to high winds and dry conditions.