The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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December 8, 2008

Winds fanned the flames

Staff and wire reports



Part of Interstate 35 in Logan County was closed for a time Monday because of a large grass fire.

The fire started about 12:45 p.m. near the intersection of the interstate and Charter Oak Road, just north of the Oklahoma County line. It was put out within a half-hour.

High wind helped fan the flames. According to National Weather Service, wildfire potential in Oklahoma Monday was very high to extreme, with sustained wind blowing at about 25-35 mph. Most of the state was in a wind advisory Monday and will be again today.

Locally, firefighters were able to contain a grass fire along U.S. 412 without much trouble, said Fairmont Fire Department Chief Joel Eggers.

The blaze burned a couple of acres along the right of way just west of 102nd along U.S. 412.

“Had it started farther west, we could have had problems,” Eggers said. “It would have been really bad with the wind. We were glad it was farther east.”

The fire danger could be lower today as a winter storm moves through the Enid area, although the wind will remain high.

Rain and snow showers are expected today, according to Rick Mitchell, chief meteorologist for KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City.

The high is expected to be 38, with a north wind at 20-35 mph, although some gusts may be higher. Tonight should be clearing and cold with a low of 22 and a north wind at 10-20 mph.

“It will help for a short period of time,” Eggers said, “as long as it’s wet.”

Until spring, though, when plants start greening out, the threat of fires will remain, he said.

His advice to people?

“Just be careful.”

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