Lindsay Firefighters Won't Let Fire Win

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

LINDSAY, Oklahoma -- An estimated 11 homes in Lindsay were destroyed by a wildfire Thursday.

Tiffiany Arter was one of many who evacuated from her home. Her grandmother and friend both lost their homes in the fast moving flames fueled by powerful winds.

"It looked like they about had it out, and the next thing we know, the wind picked up even more and it went just blazing," Arter said.

Kevin Rhoads, director of the Emergency Management for the City of Purcell, said the winds acted as an instigator, helping to spread the flames from home to home.

"Just as soon as we get a little piece of a handle it just sends another fire on further out by ambers, so we have to play catch-up again," Rhoads said. "It's just very difficult for the firefighters to get a hold of."

The firefighters continued their battle against the blaze throughout the night.

"We're going to keep fighting," Rhodes said. "It can't win and the firemen aren't going to let it win."

Firefighters continued through Thursday night.

Although a shelter was set up in Alex, it was later closed after no one showed up. Organizers believe many who were displaced chose to stay with family instead.

As of Thursday night, there were no fire victims in Lindsay from the blaze.