At Least A Dozen Homes, Structures Destroyed In Pawnee County Wildfire

NewsOn6.com

PAWNEE COUNTY, Oklahoma -- A large wildfire burning near Terlton has destroyed at least a dozen homes and prompted several residents to evacuate.

SkyNews6 flew over the area Sunday evening and captured home after home go up in flames.

All homeowners could do is watch from a distance and pray their homes survived.

"They told us that we needed to get out of there because they felt it was unsafe for us, which it is," said Barbara Duran, Terlton area homeowner.

National Guard Blackhawks circled the fire, dumping hundreds of gallons of water to douse the flames and protect nearby buildings from catching fire.

Pawnee County Fires

Blinding conditions forced crews on the ground to close Hwy 412 near Terlton.

"If it goes north, Cleveland would be the next town to the north," said Terry Dennis of the Cleveland Fire Department.

As firefighters struggled to save homes from almost certain destruction, at least one person was airlifted to the Tulsa Burn Center.

"We're stretched about as far as we can stretch at this time," Dennis said.

Pawnee County Fires 2

Red Cross has set up canteen services and a cooling station to the families who have been displaced.

The organization is providing water, snacks and meals to the over 70 firefighters battling the blaze. The Oakhill Baptist Church on Highway 64 and Highway 48 is where Red Cross is setting up operations.

Those affected may call 918-831-1140 and leave their name and a phone number so that the Red Cross can contact them regarding their disaster-related needs.