WOODWARD, OKLAHOMA, United States (Reuters) – Wildfires in Oklahoma and Kansas this week have burned thousands of acres, scorched numerous structures and prompted hundreds of people to evacuate their homes, officials said on Wednesday (April 6).
Winds packing speeds of up to 50 miles per hour (80 km) caused power lines to arc, sparking fires in four different locations, which then merged into one large fire, according to local media.
Aerial video over Woodward county in northwest Oklahoma on Wednesday (April 6) showed smoke billowing from an expanse of scorched ground. Local media reported that the fire has already burned 86 square miles (222 sq. km.). Fire officials said most of the blaze was not contained.
There have also been multiple wildfires in Kansas, which borders Oklahoma to the north.
Near the town of Alma, authorities reported that the blaze burned about 600 acres, according to local media. High winds fanned the blaze which then burned down a barn as well as a local school building
No major injuries have been reported in either state.