×

Our award-winning reporting has moved

Context provides news and analysis on three of the world’s most critical issues:

climate change, the impact of technology on society, and inclusive economies.

More than 1,000 people flee deadly Oklahoma wildfire

by Reuters
Monday, 5 May 2014 23:28 GMT

By Heide Brandes

OKLAHOMA CITY, May 5 (Reuters) - More than 1,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in central Oklahoma because of a wildfire that has killed one person and threatened scores of buildings in its path, officials said on Monday.

High heat and winds have spurred the wildfire after the blazes broke out Sunday near Guthrie, 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Oklahoma City.

Guthrie Fire Department Chief Eric Harlow said more than 40 agencies responded to help contain the wildfire, which has destroyed about 10 homes and left another 150 homes under threat from being engulfed in flames.

A 56-year-old man was killed on Sunday after he refused to leave his residence, Harlow said and at least 1,000 residents have been forced to flee the area.

Governor Mary Fallin toured the area Monday and proclaimed a state of emergency in 36 counties facing a high risk of fire.

(Editing by Jon Herskovitz)

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

-->