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Terlton Fire Update

View of wildfire from about seven miles away.
KWGS News File Photo
View of wildfire from about seven miles away.

By AP

Terlton, OK – Okla sheriff says fire's cause being investigated

PAWNEE, Okla. (AP) The Pawnee County Sheriff says authorities are investigating what caused a massive wildfire that killed two people and destroyed nearly 40 homes.

Sheriff Mike Waters said Thursday officials haven't determined if lightning or something else sparked the blaze, which began Aug. 7 near Oklahoma Highway 48.

The fire is being blamed for the deaths of 81-year-old Hollis Edgar of Terlton and another person, whose name Waters says hasn't been released.

Relatives said Edgar ignored warnings to evacuate. Waters says he was found behind his home Aug. 11.

The Oklahoma Insurance Department says damage estimates could reach $20 million.