Wind-driven wildfires in central Oklahoma prompt evacuations

NORMAN, Okla. – Wildfires in central Oklahoma are prompting officials to order evacuations for some communities as wind gusts reaching 40-50 mph fan the flames.Cushing, Oklahoma, Emergency Management put out evacuation orders east of the city in southeastern Payne County. The orders state that residents in this area should evacuate immediately to escape the wildfire.  Another wildfire prompted evacuations in the Twin Lakes area of Cashion.OKLAHOMA WILDFIRE SCORCHES MORE THAN 12,000 ACRES IN WILDLIFE REFUGEThe order also advised residents of Crescent, Oklahoma, to be ready to evacuate should the fire spread. The Oklahoma Forestry Services and Logan County Emergency Management issued a Fire Warning for eastern Kingfisher and western Logan counties.Another dangerous wildfire is quickly spreading about 5 miles south of Wellston, Oklahoma. Emergency officials are urging immediate evacuations for those now threatened by the flames as they approach Wellston.Thick smoke limited visibility in the vicinity of these towns. In Edmond, just north of Oklahoma City, large plumes of smoke clouded roads, requiring officials to close portions of roadway. “Residents, commuters and travelers near I-35 and Covell are advised to avoid the area due to an active grass fire,” the fire department said on Facebook. The post said fire and emergency officials were working to contain the blaze. Oklahoma Forestry Service took to Facebook Tuesday afternoon to remind Oklahomans about burn bans in place all across the state. “The list of counties under burn bans continues to grow,” the agency said.