WOODWARD, Okla. (AP) — Authorities are evacuating about two dozen homes as a wildfire moves rapidly northwest of Woodward.
Woodward County Emergency Manager Matt Lehenbauer says the fire is moving rapidly northeastward across U.S. 270. He says about two dozen homes are in the fire's path about five miles northwest of the city.
A burn ban is in effect for the western half of Oklahoma. A shelter has been set up at the Woodward Pioneer Room.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says it has closed U.S. Highway 183 from four miles west of Woodward to Fort Supply. U.S. Route 270 and U.S. Highway 183 are the same road in that area.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management says two National Guard helicopters have been sent to provide firefighting assistance.