Three homes lost at Lake Stanley Draper

Oklahoma City fire crews battled brush and structure fires across a more than two square miles east of Lake Stanley Draper yesterday.

At least 3 structures burned between SE 138 and SE 134, and officials are still assessing the damage. Deputy Fire Chief Cecil Clay said he didn’t know exactly how many structures had burned, but hot spots in wooded areas gave firefighters a difficult time yesterday and he anticipates they will do the same today.

“There was no way we could save some of those structures,” Clay said. “When the wind is blowing 30-40 miles per hour embers just blow from one spot to another no matter how much water you use.”

Clay said the fire started around 3 p.m. yesterday and crews evacuated a 2 mile area east of S Hiwassee Road as the fire crescendoed about 5:30 p.m. Clay said 15-20 brush pumpers, more than 100 firefighters and tankers from the airport and National Guard were on sight to battle the flames.

He said there are still hot spots that crews can not physically reach because of the density of the trees and brush.

Clay said it was impossible to save some homes because high grass, trees and shrubs were too thick. The dry vegetation went up in flames quickly.

He said homeowners should keep grass short around their homes and clear away dried leaves.

- Valley Brown

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