Fires Destroy around 170 Homes Statewide

Rain gave Oklahoma firefighters a break after days of battling to control fires that destroyed around 170 homes and injured 62 people.

Monday, April 13th 2009, 11:25 am

By: News 9


Staff and Wire Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Rain gave Oklahoma firefighters a break after days of battling to control fires that destroyed around 170 homes and injured 62 people.

At least an inch of precipitation fell Sunday across fire-scarred areas of the state, dousing any residual blazes.

Many Oklahomans, who lost nearly everything they own to last week's wildfires, spent Easter Sunday attending church services and relying on their faith to get them through.

Some of the worst hit areas were Midwest City and Choctaw, especially when fires reignited Friday and Saturday. Exhausted firefighters were thankful for the downpour Saturday night and Sunday.

Around Lake Draper, people like Jerry Cheatham, tried to help firefighters and save their home when hot spots flared back up Saturday. Cheatham used his tractor to clear some the dry grass before the rain's relieved firefighter's efforts Saturday night.

In all, firefighters from across the state battled around 10 grass fires which were responsible for burning thousands of acres.

FEMA is expected to start surveying and reporting on the damage this week. It could take several weeks before they know the full extent of damage from the fires.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

April 13th, 2009

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024