Wildfire Breaks Out Near Shawnee, 2 Homes Destroyed

Staff and Wire Reports

SHAWNEE, Oklahoma -- Firefighters once again spent the day battling wildfires, this time just west of Shawnee.

The fire started just before 2 p.m. in Bethel Acres. It's not known yet how it started. 

Authorities say the fire destroyed one house and one mobile home near Shawnee, but no injuries were reported. Pottawatomie County Emergency Management Director Don Lynch said between 60 and 100 acres were charred.

Lynch said an Oklahoma National Guard helicopter with a 600-gallon bucket dropped water on the flames, helping to bring the fire under control by Thursday night. He said firefighters continued to monitor the area for hotspots.

Another grass fire was reported in Shawnee, but that one was quickly contained.

The News 9 Weather Team warned parts of Oklahoma would be vulnerable to wildfires Thursday because of high temperatures, strong winds and low humidity.