By AP
Terlton, OK – 2nd death in Oklahoma wildfire confirmed
PAWNEE, Okla. (AP) Another fatality has been confirmed in a massive wildfire that destroyed about 40 homes in Pawnee County last week.
Assistant State Fire Marshal Joanne Sellars said an agent confirmed that a second person has died as a result of the fire, but Sellars didn't know the person's name or other details. She referred additional questions to the Pawnee County sheriff, who wasn't immediately available for comment Monday afternoon.
The blaze began Aug. 7 and charred about 15,000 acres before fire crews were able to get it under control two days later.
On Thursday, authorities found the body of an 81-year-old Terlton man reported missing by family members.
Authorities haven't released his name, but relatives say the man ignored warnings to evacuate his home because he believed he would be safe.