Winds fan flames; some areas evacuated

A home on 170th Street

was in the path of wildfires which destroyed 12 structures

in Lindsay, Okla. on Thursday, April 9, 2009.

Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

At 5 p.m. on Thursday several county fire departments and the Grady County Emergency Management Department were battling at least six wild-fires that were sweeping across rural plains of Bradley, Rush Springs, Minco, Verden, and Alex. 

Authorities with emergency management confirmed that structures have been lost in the Bradley area and many families were asked to evacuate the area as a result.

Alex School was opened as a emergency shelter for those displaced by the fires.

Fire departments are hoping for some relief from the dry, windy conditions that make the perfect recipe for wild-fires and grass fires, and relief may be on the horizon.

Rain is forecast for this weekend, however with the storms come increased risks for severe weather, according to the National Weather Service.

At least six other fires were reported across the state causing other evacuations and a closure of I-35 in Payne County.

Mike Friend

Source: Chickasha Express Star