Evacuation Order Lifted For Terlton Residents

NewsOn6.com & Tara Vreeland, News On 6

PAWNEE COUNTY, Oklahoma -- Residents in Terlton were allowed back in their homes Monday night after a massive wildfire forced them to evacuate earlier in the day.

At first the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said residents of Jennings, Terlton, Hallett and Oilton were being asked to leave.

About an hour later the OHP reported that the Cleveland Fire Department changed its plans, and that only the city of Terlton and the State Highway area were evacuated.

SkyNews6 pilot Will Kavanagh said the flames damaged or destroyed several structures in the area.

Amber Horton was desperately trying to save the home where her parents have lived for 33 years.

"We packed everything up, just in case we need to leave," Amber Horton said.

"I grew up here," she added.

Horton was watering the house, the grass, the trees in a last attempt to prevent the home from going up in flames.

"Pictures, clothes, anything that we can save," she said. "Hopefully we can save the house; we're not leaving until the very end."

Chief Deputy of Pawnee County Clint Stout said about 300-400 people live in Terlton.

"We are going with lights and sirens, pulling into people's driveway, knocking on doors," he said.

Another wildfire burned near Quay, north of Cushing Monday evening. Kavanagh estimated about 500 acres has burned.  The fire was mostly burning brush and trees.  Homes in the area didn't appear to be in any immediate danger, Kavanagh said.

The Red Cross said about 45 people were staying at its shelter in Cleveland at the Western Heights Baptist Church at 200 North Gilbert Monday night. 

The Red Cross has been providing assistance to families affected by the fires, as well as emergency responders on the scene. 

Rather than supplies, the Red Cross is asking that anyone wanting to help make a financial donation by going to OklahomaRedCross.org or by calling 918-831-1170.

You can also make a check payable to:

American Red Cross- Tulsa Area Chapter
Dept 955
Tulsa, OK 74182

8/8/2011 Related Story: Pawnee County Wildfire Flares Back Up