Central Oklahoma residents flee as wind-driven wildfires rage across region
At least 3 buildings were destroyed in Kingfisher County, according to officials.
WIldfire burns near Cushing, Oklahoma
A fast-moving brush fire is forcing evacuations near Cushing, Oklahoma. (Video courtesy Olive Volunteer Fire Department)
NORMAN, Okla. – Wildfires that have raged across central Oklahoma prompted officials to order evacuations for some communities as crews worked to contain and extinguish the wind-driven blazes Tuesday.
Wind gusts between 40-50 mph helped to fan the flames, prompting officials to order the evacuations and tell people to find safety as first responders continued their work to keep the fires from spreading.
Watch: Smoke fills the air as wildfire rages near Edmond, Oklahoma
A video shared from Edmond, Oklahoma, shows thick smoke filling the air as a large wildfire scorched the landscape nearby on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.
A fire that broke out in Cushing, Oklahoma, forced officials with Payne County Emergency Management to issue an evacuation order to the southeast of the city, while other residents in the area were told to be prepared to leave if told to do so.
In a Facebook post, Payne County Emergency Management officials said fire crews have continued to work throughout the night to manage active hotspots to protect nearby communities and prevent the spread of flames.
WHAT SHOULD BE IN YOUR EVACUATION 'GO' BAG DURING WILDFIRE SEASON
Smoke in the distance of Edmond, OK. The fire department advised residents to avoid some areas because of smoke. (Edmond Fire Department / FOX Weather)
Another wildfire was reported just south of Wellston, Oklahoma, forcing residents there to flee their homes. Lincoln County Emergency Management officials said in a Facebook post that the fire there had since been contained, and the evacuation order was lifted.
Officials in Logan County said they were preparing to assist fire suppression operations in nearby Payne County when a wildfire ignited near State Highway 33, forcing them to focus on containing that blaze.
HOW THE LAY OF THE LAND AFFECTS WILDFIRE BEHAVIOR
A wildfire burns near Cushing, Oklahoma on Oct. 29, 2024.
"The fire eventually jumped the river and continued north threatening the Twin Lakes area," officials said in a Facebook post. "Before the fire crossed the river, we made the decision to alert residents along County Line Road and north of the river and over to Council and up to Crescent area."
Officials said the Logan County Sheriff's Office assisted with traffic control while other first responders were door-to-door assisting and alerting residents to the danger.
At least three structures were destroyed by the fire in Kingfisher County and officials said they were able to save the Twin Lakes community and the area is safe.
HOW TO BEST PREPARE YOUR HOMES FOR WILDFIRES
In Edmond, just north of Oklahoma City, large plumes of smoke clouded roads, requiring officials to close portions of the roadway.
"Residents, commuters and travelers near I-35 and Covell are advised to avoid the area due to an active grass fire," the fire department said on Facebook.
Crews there have also been working to stomp out the flames and have advised people in the area that traffic delays and hazardous travel conditions were possible.