The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has closed part of State Highway 33 because of grass fires in the area. The Turner Turnpike westbound between Tulsa & Oklahoma City was re-opened late Friday.
Neighborhoods from Hwy 51 to S. 81st Street in Mannford, and from State Highway 48 to 417th W. Ave were evacuated while crews fight the fire in Creek County. At least 40 structures, including homes, outbuildings and barns, were destroyed in Creek County, from Mannford to Drumright.
The Freedom Hill Fire Department posted on their Facebook page they are running low on food and water and are asking people to bring donations.
The Department of Emergency Management released this update on grass fires across the state on Friday afternoon.
"Due to high fire danger across the state, the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas. Additionally, OEM is working with the Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Forestry Division, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma State Department of Health, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
STATEWIDE BURN BAN
A statewide Burn Ban was issued today by Gov. Mary Fallin. This ban supersedes all county burn bans currently in place and remains in place until conditions improve and it is removed by the Governor. For a copy of the current burn ban resolution or for the most up-to-date information go to: www.forestry.ok.gov/ burn-ban-information
STATE OF EMERGENCY
A State of Emergency remains in place for all 77 Oklahoma counties as declared Monday by Gov. Mary Fallin due to extreme or exceptional drought conditions. The Executive Order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases related to disaster relief and preparedness. It is also a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary. Under the executive order, the state of emergency lasts for 30 days.
FIRES
Luther, Oklahoma County – the fire in Luther continues to burn. State Forestry will go to the scene Saturday with more ground firefighting equipment. Johnston County is providing resources as well.
Mannford, Creek County -- Bureau of Indian Affairs and National Guard helicopters have been assisting throughout the day with water drops. Early reports from Creek County Emergency Management indicate as many as 40 structures have been destroyed.
Ninnekah, Grady County – Grady County Emergency Management reports a fire south of Ninnekah. State Forestry is responding with ground firefighting support. Numerous homes have been evacuated. Oklahoma Highway Patrol is assisting with evacuations.
Noble/Slaughterville, Cleveland County -- Noble Emergency Management reports the fire that started at 132nd and McGuire Road continues to burn. Numerous homes have been evacuated. Early reports indicate as many as 25 structures have been destroyed. Two National Guard helicopters have been assisting. Numerous surrounding fire departments are providing mutual aid, including task forces from Garvin, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties.
Additional fires have been reported in Lincoln, Logan and Muskogee counties as well as Elk City in Roger Mills County, Ft. Cobb in Caddo County, Geary in Blaine County, Preston in Okmulgee County and Wewoka in Seminole County.
RESOURCE REQUESTS
OEM has been working in conjunction with State Forestry officials to deploy Oklahoma National Guard helicopters for aerial fire support. Oklahoma Forestry Division is providing ground firefighting support and has been working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs for additional aerial fire support. Water drops have been provided today on fires in Cleveland and Creek counties."
The Red Cross opened shelters in Bristow and Mannford for people displaced by the fire. The shelters will be located:
Mannford: First Baptist Church, 105 Greenwood Ave
Bristow: First Baptist Church, 226 E. 6th Ave.
More photos have been posted on our Facebook Fan Page.
Donations to the American Red Cross can be made at www.okredcross.org
