Wildfires Sear Texas, Oklahoma

Blazes fanned by hurricane-force winds destroy dozens of homes

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 10, 2009 1:59 AM CDT

(Newser) – Firefighters are struggling to contain several raging blazes fanned by hurricane-force winds in Texas and Oklahoma, CNN reports. Dozens of homes have been destroyed and the winds—up to 76 mph—are making it hard for firefighting aircraft to get off the ground. At least 13 people have been injured, including one firefighter who is in critical condition. An entire 100-resident town in Texas has burned, and several suburbs have been evacuated outside Oklahoma City.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Flames illuminate a storage tank as a grass fire moves through Choctaw, Okla., last night. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Tim Menzer runs from his burning home with his two dogs in Choctaw, Okla., yesterday. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Firefighters battle a fire at a Choctaw, Okla., yesterday. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

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Dozens of houses burn in central and western Oklahoma. (clipsyndicate.com)

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Wildfires Sear Texas, Oklahoma