Apr 10, 2009 10:09 AM

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

Lindsay Firefighters Won't Let Fire Win

LINDSAY, Oklahoma -- An estimated 11 homes in Lindsay were destroyed by a wildfire Thursday.

Tiffiany Arter was one of many who evacuated from her home. Her grandmother and friend both lost their homes in the fast moving flames fueled by powerful winds. "It looked like they about had it out, and the next thing we know, the wind picked up even more and it went just blazing," Arter said.

Kevin Rhoads, director of the Emergency Management for the City of Purcell, said the winds acted as an instigator, helping to spread the flames from home to home. "Just as soon as we get a little piece of a handle it just sends another fire on further out by ambers, so we have to play catch-up again," Rhoads said. "It's just very difficult for the firefighters to get a hold of."

The firefighters continued their battle against the blaze throughout the night. "We're going to keep fighting," Rhodes said. "It can't win and the firemen aren't going to let it win." Firefighters continued through Thursday night.

Although a shelter was set up in Alex, it was later closed after no one showed up. Organizers believe many who were displaced chose to stay with family instead. As of Thursday night, there were no fire victims in Lindsay from the blaze.

By Michael McNutt - Capitol Bureau
Published: April 10, 2009

Governor Brad Henry declares state of emergency for 31 counties

The governor today declared a state of emergency for 31 counties where wildfires and severe weather caused widespread damage.

Under his executive order, state agencies may make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to speed up the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. The declaration also marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary.

Counties included in the executive order are: Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Carter, Cleveland, Comanche, Cotton, Custer, Garvin, Grady, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Jefferson, Kay, Kiowa, LeFlore, Lincoln, Logan, Love, McClain, Murray, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Payne, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Stephens, Tillman and Washita.

LeFlore County is included because of damages sustained from a tornado and severe storms. More counties can be added to the order as additional information becomes available.

The declaration is part of wide-ranging state efforts to pool resources and assess damages after wildfires Thursday injured at least 49 people and damaged or destroyed an estimated 100 homes and other structures. Midwest City and the nearby towns of Choctaw and Nicoma Park were especially hard hit, but fires caused significant damage in many other sections of Oklahoma.

Source: News 9 Oklahoma City