Edmond Grassfire Burns Structures, Shuts Down Highway

News9.com

UPDATE: EDMOND, Oklahoma --  A grassfire which started near Coffee Creek Road and Sooner Road burned several structures and shut down I-35 for several hours Saturday.

The Edmond Fire Department reports that at least three mobile homes, three conventional homes, and 12 outbuildings were destroyed.

A three-mile stretch of I-35 was closed between 2nd Street in Edmond and Waterloo Road for more than four hours.

Firefighters said the fire appeared to be rekindled from Friday's fires in the same area.

High winds from thunderstorms late Saturday afternoon contributed to the difficulties in fighting the fires.

The Red Cross and the City of Edmond have opened a family reunification center at 28 E. Main St. in Edmond as a resource for those affected by the wildfires. 

Officials said this is not a shelter, but an assessment center where a Red Cross representative will meet with individuals and families to help assess needs and provide support.

The City of Edmond set up an automated phone line to answer inquiries about access to affected areas and the Red Cross will direct callers with that question to this service.

According to the Red Cross, a team was deployed to the affected area to deliver water and other items as needed. They are also completing some preliminary damage assessment.

Red Cross say mass care support will remain at Edmond Fire Department Station 5.