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State of Emergency

By AP

Undated – Okla governor issues state of emergency for fires

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) With wildfires sweeping across Oklahoma, Gov. Mary Fallin has declared a state of emergency for all 77 counties in the state.

The declaration issued Friday also marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary. Under the executive order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions.

Numerous homes have been damaged or destroyed in more than two dozen fires in southwestern, central and northeastern Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management says the Emergency Operations Center is working with the Oklahoma National Guard to provide helicopter water drops in Beggs, Goldsby, Harrah and Shawnee.

The American Red Cross also has opened evacuation centers at churches in Choctaw and Harrah.