or off this list
Freepmail me.
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.
If you do make it to Shawnee--there is a FReeper family who would like to say 'hi' to a fellow Okie. If you are going to be in Shawnee, feel free to mail me privately!
I'll try to let you know! My phone and internet is completely out, but hopefully fixed today.
Freepmail me your number if you feel comfortable and I'll *try* to give you a ring! I may be working too hard, though...don't know how it will be.
Never had to deal with this before. It's kind of scary. Praying for rain....
BTTT
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.