18 Homes Damaged in Choctaw

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

CHOCTAW, Oklahoma -- Neighborhoods around NE 10 Street and Henney Road were severely damaged Thursday as firefighters struggled with windy conditions and unruly flames.

Fire officials from Choctaw estimate 18 homes were severely damaged or destroyed by Thursday's blaze.

Choctaw Fire Chief Loran Bumgarner is asking resident to avoid driving around the city to look at damage, and instead stay within the area you live in. Fire crews are still working to put out hot spots in areas they were not able to reach Thursday night. They need traffic to be clear as they continue fighting these grass fires.

The Choctaw High School was also jeopardized as flames moved close to the campus.

Several fire departments united in a very strategic operation that established a perimeter around the school.

The flames jumped the street, igniting brush and trees on the school's grounds, but firefighters kept up their persistent protection, extinguishing the flames and protecting the school.

Student, teachers and community members watched with concern nearby.

"It's really crazy, I saw the flames awhile ago, and I was like, ‘Oh no,'" student Derek Millins said. "I don't want to lose this school."

Residents nearby were also worried as the flames, consumed several houses Thursday night.

"I hope my house doesn't burn down, it's all I got," a resident said. "Everything on that road is burning like hell."