Residences cleared as fire threatens Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Authorities have evacuated a larger area in Oklahoma City where a stiff winds and dry conditions fueled a wildfire that destroyed several homes.

Several hundred homes in a 2-square-mile zone were evacuated today as the fire spread beyond three acres.

Oklahoma City Fire Department spokesman Mark Woodard says the fire is moving east, aided by strong winds from the south and tinder-dry trees and grasses.

Two people have been injured. One woman was in good condition after being overcome by smoke. Woodard says one firefighter was taken to the command post to be evaluated for what may have been heat exhaustion.

The Red Cross says about 10 people have gathered in a shelter at a local elementary school.

The fire is in a mainly rural area of northeast Oklahoma City.