‘The worst disaster in Midwest City history’

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In the air

High winds complicated efforts to fight the numerous fires across the state.

Albert Ashwood, state emergency management director, said winds across much of the state were a sustained 30 miles per hour, gusting to more than 40 miles per hour.

"We’re trying to do all we can and everything we can to help the local firefighters out there,” he said. "When the winds are this high there is not a lot you can do but let it burn.”

He said conditions are too windy for helicopters to drop water on any fires.

Authorities closed Interstate 35 at Exit 55 in Murray County as smoke from grass fires caused hazardous driving conditions.

Flames north of Turner Falls near Davis caused the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to close the interstate in both directions.

Troopers also closed I-35 at mile marker 186 near Perry because of fire. Farther south, I-35 was closed along with State Highway 51 west of Stillwater. A Payne County sheriff’s dispatcher said smoke from the fires caused several wrecks on I-35. Some of those wrecks caused minor injuries, the dispatcher said.

Stillwater firefighters were battling the blaze, along with firefighters from other cities in the area.

Fire danger, which was extreme Thursday, is considered high for today, according to the National Weather Service. High temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s, with low humidity and gusty north winds, meaning conditions will be ripe for fires again.

Chances for rain in the state return Saturday, but the fire risk remains high through Monday, forecasters said. The risk elevates again Tuesday to very high.