Comanche County Fire Still Burning, Affects 48 Square Miles

News9.com

LAWTON, Oklahoma -- Firefighters continue to battle a raging wildfire which has destroyed ten homes and involved more than 30,000 acres in Comanche County, emergency management officials report.

Firefighters and law enforcement personnel from across Oklahoma and north Texas are fighting to protect structures in Mount Sheridan Estates and the Meers Store area.

Army National Guard helicopters continue to make water drops in the area.

The fire began Thursday afternoon near SH 49 on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. It continues to move slowly to the east near Oklahoma 115 and to the west through the northern portions of the Refuge. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has deployed its mobile command center to assist with communications, logistics and operations.

Ten homes and an unknown number of outbuildings, barns, and storage buildings were destroyed in the Mountain Village addition.

Approximately 48 square miles have been affected.

About 100 homes remain evacuated, 60 in the Mountain Village area, 30 in the Mount Sheridan Estates area, and ten in the Meers Store area.

The Meers Community Center remains open for evacuees.  No residents are reported to be in the shelter at this time. 

Local Red Cross and Salvation Army continue to provide food and water for emergency personnel. More than 1,300 meals have been provided since Thursday afternoon.