Posted on 12/27/2005 2:14:07 PM PST by indcons
MUSTANG, Okla. Dec 27, 2005 — Grass fires driven by gusty wind damaged several homes in Oklahoma and threatened others in North Texas on Tuesday. Three Oklahomans suffered minor injuries, authorities said.
The biggest fire burned at least a square mile in a rural area near the town of Mustang, southwest of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Fire Maj. Brian Stanaland said. He said he did not know exactly how many homes were damaged there. One civilian suffered minor injuries.
TV station helicopter footage showed at least a half-dozen structures were burned in Mustang, but conditions appeared to improve by late afternoon.
"Everybody is out now watering their yards and standing in their yards," said Harold Percival, who lives about a mile from the Mustang fire.
Several other grass fires were brought under control in three areas of Oklahoma City. One firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and a child suffered minor burns on his hands when a shed caught fire.
In Texas, Fort Worth Fire Department Lt. Kent Worley said crews had fought nine brush fires within city limits during the first half of the day and he expected more. His department also helped battle a blaze in nearby Kennedale. The Dallas Morning News said flames in Kennedale threatened two apartment complex.
There were no immediate reports of injuries in Texas.
The cause of the Oklahoma blazes was under investigation, but officials said sparks from power lines were one possibility.
The wind in Oklahoma was clocked at 25 to 35 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.
Is Bush Still on vaction? wheres FEMA ?
It is a beautiful day here today, 71 degrees. We were thinking of cooking out, but not with this high fire danger. My prayers go out to those who are dealing with the fires.
Oklahoma is over 12 inches of moisture behind the average for the year.
Scary. I wonder if we have some firebugs on the loose.
... and Texas. DFW area, Arlington.
Txsleuth, CNN now reporting that it may be under control soon in Arlington. Several structures destroyed, but no more expected.
I feel bad for all those poor homeowners who will be starting the new year without a roof over their heads.....prayers for those who are suffering.
You are not alone.
Just broke on TV, a really bad fire near Cross Plains, Texas.
Other fires all over the CenTex area.
High winds, everything dry as a bone.
Stay safe. Have you been out watering your lawn, etc...?
Thanks for the update.
Ping
Beaucoup fires in areas around Fart Wurth, too.
Thanks for the ping, I would have missed this. We've been seeing lots of fires around, there was one within 30 miles yesterday. It's very dry, about 80 degrees, the wind is blowing a gale.
ping
We need water so badly here.
This wind sure isnt helping either
I just turned the sprinkler on.
Its worse than thought in DFW, in south Arlington and Kennedale, more than a few homes are on fire.
Prayers for those affected, thank God its 50 miles west of me, but its so dry. Please folks be careful.
EXCERPT
Range fires burn Tarrant homes
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/122705dnmetrail.ce81746.html
04:35 PM CST on Tuesday, December 27, 2005
From Staff and Wire Reports
High winds blew brush fires across dry North Texas Tuesday afternoon, burning homes in southern Tarrant County and threatening structures in cities across the area.
The area remained under a "red flag warning" because of strong winds, low humidity levels and extremely dry conditions. The National Weather Service issued the warning to alert residents and firefighters that such fires can spread rapidly and unpredictably. Burning brush, trash or anything else outdoors is extremely dangerous.
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