MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (AP) _
The fire marshal now says the fire that burned dozens of homes in Midwest City was intentionally set. At least one firefighter has been injured while battling one of many wind-whipped grass fires burning across Oklahoma Thursday. Many of the fires were raging in communities along or near Interstate 35, including Midwest City, Lindsay and parts of Carter, Murray and Payne counties.
In Lincoln County, a firefighter suffered major burns while battling a blaze and was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital. Chandler Emergency Management Director Larry Hicks says the firefighter was hurt when a truck was overrun by flames. Hicks says some structures had been burned but he didn't know how many.
One of the harder-hit areas is Midwest City, where Police Chief Brandon Clabes says about 25 homes have been destroyed. Clabes described the scene as a war zone -- homes burned out, vehicles blackened and flames emanating from a ruptured natural gas line.
At a Midwest City evacuation center, Kanisha Busby was waiting for her parents to arrive. Her parents' home was destroyed but nobody was hurt.
Farther to the south, a huge grass fire has damaged at least 12 homes in Lindsay and is threatening others. In Stephens County, Marlow Fire Chief Jerome McCalvin says some homes have been lost in the Velma area.
In Carter County, assistant emergency management director Chester Agan says six homes have been destroyed, at least three in the town of Tatums. Agan says a church in Fox also was destroyed. Stillwater Emergency Management Director Kirk Mittlestet says some structures have been lost in Payne County.
UPDATE:
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management reports the wildfire threat continues today and tomorrow. At least 100 homes have been destroyed. The following counties are affected: Stephens, Grady, McClain, Oklahoma, Carter and Payne. There have been at least 49 injuries across the state. One severe injury is reported in Lindsay, where a driver lost control on a smoke-covered road. Shelters are open in Healdton, Midwest City, Marietta, Love County, and Nicoma Park. The state has already requested five FEMA grants for fire assistance.
