Grassfire closes turnpike in southwest Oklahoma

NEWS 9

The H.E. Bailey Turnpike is open again after a large grass fire closed a section near Lawton Thursday afternoon.

At least 12 fire departments were responding to the fire on Highway 277 near Fletcher in Comanche County.

All four lanes of the highway opened at about 4:30, said Chris Kilmer, Comanche County public information officer.

Kilmer said the fire burned about 1.5 square miles and no injuries for damages have been reported.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol closed the interstate at 2:24 p.m. It reopened temporarily before being closed again after the fire flared up.

NEWS 9 Chief Meteorologist Gary England reports that the fire is visible on the weather radar.