Oklahoma Firefighters Battle Grass Fires Across State

It's only two weeks into the new year, and parts of Oklahoma's countryside were scorched by fast-moving wildfires in Sunday's high winds.

The winter weather that provided plenty of moisture wasn't enough to keep the fire danger low.

On Monday, WARN Team Meteorologist Alan Crone said the danger is reduced but still present.

"The fire danger, while not as high as Sunday, will remain enhanced for the next few days. Use caution," Crone said.

A Red Flag warning was in effect all day Sunday for several counties, including Tulsa, Creek, Wagoner, Mayes, Okmulgee, Rogers, Nowata, Payne, Craig, Adair and Delaware. South winds gusting up to 45 and 50 mph fueled the fires.

Residents are urged to dispose of cigarettes properly and to avoid activities that could start a fire.

Nowata County

Authorities shut down U.S. 60 at County Road NS 409, three miles west of Nowata in Nowata County due to a large grass fire and smoke blowing across the roadway. It reopened at 3:45 p.m.

Rogers County

Rogers County officials say all wildfires are under control Monday morning. On Sunday afternoon, the Oologah Lake Leader posted: "Our area firefighters are stretched to the breaking point with fast-moving wildfires. They are everywhere and it will be hours before the situation improves."

Pawnee County

According to county emergency manager Mark Randall, firefighters were battling three fires in Pawnee County on Sunday. Two were still burning at 4:30 p.m. but have been extinguished. One was south of Cleveland near the Westport exit off U.S. Highway 412 and another at Boston Pool Road north of Cleveland.

Everything is under control as of Monday morning, authorities report.

Washington County

Washington County Emergency Manager Kary Cox was busy handling fires. Firefighters were busiest between noon and 4 p.m. when wind speeds reached their highest.

1/12/2014 Related Story: Structures, Land Destroyed In Logan County Grass Fires

Payne County

Firefighters also battled a large grass fire in Payne County. State Highway 51 between Council Valley and Battle Ridge Road was closed for about 40 minutes due to the grass fire crossing the highway.

Lincoln County

According to Joey Wakefield with Lincoln County Emergency Management, as of 1 p.m., crews were battling four grass fires in Lincoln County.

State Highway 102 at County Road 1020 was shut down due to a fire crossing the highway.

Canadian County

At about 1 p.m., El Reno firefighters confirmed that they were helping fight a grass fire at Jones and Maberry near Calumet.

Crews were also battling a grass fire at 4809 Smoking Oaks Drive in Yukon.

Oklahoma County

Oklahoma City firefighters put out a grass fire at 9228 Snowberry Dr. in Oklahoma City Sunday afternoon. Just before 2 p.m., firefighters responded to another grass fire at 4904 S.W. 126th Terrace.

At about 2:15 p.m. authorities confirmed that fire crews were fighting a grass fire at S. Hiwassee and S.E. 149th in Oklahoma City.

At about 2:30 p.m. firefighters responded to another grass fire at 9500 N.W. 4th Street.

Logan County

Fire crews requested additional help to fight a large grass fire in Guthrie. The fire affected the area of Highway 33, and Post Road to the north.

Several grass fires broke out Sunday afternoon in parts of Logan County, forcing about 20 homes to evacuate. Roughly 1,200 to 1,500 acres in Logan County were on fire. Crews from all the metro moved in to help put out the growing the flames. But not before, several vacant structures, some cattle and at least 500 hay bales were lost.

Grady County

Chickasha firefighters fought a large grass fire just north of Rush Springs along Highway 81.