1,000 flee, 1 dead, as Oklahoma wildfire spreads

May 06, 2014 03:19

Firefighters facing another hot and windy forecast today worked to battle a large wildfire in Oklahoma that destroyed at least six homes and left one person dead after a controlled burn spread out of control.

The fire department said about 1,000 people yesterday evacuated their homes in the Guthrie about 56 kilometres north of Oklahoma City. Guthrie Fire Department Chief Eric Harlow said a 56-year-old man who did not leave was found dead in his home last night.

The wildfire broke out yesterday afternoon and by 9 pm had burned up to 15 square kilometres of land as well as several homes, Harlow said. The fire was still burning today and threatening about 150 additional homes; Harlow said the blaze was about 75 per cent contained.

Temperatures later today were expected to hit 38 Celsius, with winds gusting from the south at 33 mph.

Tomorrow's winds were expected to be higher still, enhancing the risk of the fire spreading further.

The Guthrie Fire Department said six homes were destroyed but that the number of damaged or destroyed homes would likely rise. Fire department crews assessed the fire and damage by helicopter.

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