Okla. fires: dozens of homes burn, evacuations

Source: AP-Excite

By TIM TALLEY

LUTHER, Okla. (AP) - Several wildfires raging around the parched Oklahoma landscape prompted more evacuations on Sunday as emergency workers sought to shelter those forced out by flames that destroyed dozens of homes and threatened others in the drought-stricken region.

One roaring fire near Luther, about 25 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, destroyed nearly five dozen homes and other buildings before firefighters gained a measure of control Saturday. Authorities said several state roads remained closed early Sunday because of drifting smoke or nearby fires.

Mike Donegan, a communications supervisor with the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol in the scorched region, said evacuations continued overnight. He had no immediate details on the numbers forced from their homes but said officers went door to door in some communities, getting people to leave.

He said he saw thick smoke from a distance of about 50 miles from one of the fires as he drove into work.

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Highway 48 is covered in smoke as flames continue, Saturday, Aug 4, 2012, east of Drumright, Okla. Emergency management officials have ordered evacuations of homes in several areas as wildfires burn across the state. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Services says no injuries have been reported. (AP Photo/Tulsa World, Tom Gilbert)