Luther Grassfire Burns Over 1,000 Acres In 2 Days

A grassfire in Luther resparked along the Turner Turnpike just east of the 151 mile marker at N.E. 178th and Harrah Road Tuesday afternoon. Firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze.

Tuesday, March 1st 2011, 4:14 pm

By: News 9


News9.com

LUTHER, Oklahoma -- A grassfire in Luther resparked along the Turner Turnpike just east of the 151 mile marker at N.E. 178th and Harrah Road Tuesday afternoon. Firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze.

Several agencies responded to the blaze including Oklahoma City, Luther and Wellston fire departments.

In two days the fire consumed more than 1,000 acres in a mile wide path around Luther.

The Oklahoma County Sheriff closed the intersection of Hwy 66 and County Line Road due to smoke crossing the roadway. Other intersections were closed in the area and residents were evacuated.

"Right now the only thing I'm really concerned about is that all of the people that live back in these areas that we get them out of there safely, and that there's no possibility of loss of life. Beyond that we have a very good volunteer fire department and they're doing everything they need to do,"said Luther Mayor Ed Threatt, who lost some property in Monday's fire.

Winds gusting 20 to 25 mph posed a challenge to firefighters. However, unlike Monday, flames moved away from the turnpike. There were at least two homes in the path of the fire, as well as livestock. Fortunately the winds shifted and the homes, cattle and horses were safe.

The American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma provided relief to firefighters from 13 area fire departments. Sonic in Luther and Subway in Arcadia also worked with the Red Cross to help feed first responders.

There are currently burn bans in 23 Oklahoma counties, including Oklahoma County.

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