A destructive and large wildfire that began southeast of Indiahoma burned out of control and spread rapidly Saturday afternoon, August 29, while moving northward, The Lawton Constitution reported. The fire began shortly after 3:30 pm.
The Railroad South Fire started as a grass fire but soon moved toward structures in the area between Gore Boulevard and Cache Road near Holsey Acres Road. Within minutes, three structures got fully involved. Fire crews made headway by 6 pm but the battle continued.
Check out the map here.
AZ Intel reported on X that at least five homes have been destroyed and two others damaged by the fire.
Scary visuals have emerged in a Facebook post that is captioned, “Air support today on the RailRoad South Fire, east of Indiahoma. Prayers for the families displaced by this fire, and for all the personnel on the ground fighting it.”
{{/usCountry}}Scary visuals have emerged in a Facebook post that is captioned, “Air support today on the RailRoad South Fire, east of Indiahoma. Prayers for the families displaced by this fire, and for all the personnel on the ground fighting it.”
{{/usCountry}}Evacuation orders lifted
Evacuation orders were lifted for residents affected by the Railroad South Fire, emergency officials announced late Saturday night, even as many traffic restrictions remained in place. Residents were told they could return to their homes, but they were cautioned that firefighting operations continued in the area.
“We’ve got our eastern and western flanks under control,” said Comanche County/Lawton Emergency Management Director Clint Langford, per 7News. “Currently they’re making sure nothing leaves the containment lines. We’re making sure the existing hot spots and embers stay under control.”
Traffic control points and strict access restrictions were to remain at the intersections of Timber Lane and Cache Road, and Post Oak Road and Cache Road.
Also Read | Velma, OK fire evacuation map: Dangerous wildfire spreads in Stephens County; videos surface
Officials told returning residents to expect heavy firefighting activity and hazardous conditions along Old Cache Road, including active fire apparatus, smoke, reduced visibility, and debris. Non-residents have been told to stay out of the fire zone to avoid interfering with emergency personnel. Drivers have been urged to low down, obey road restrictions, and yield to emergency crews.
“Our smoke conditions are poor which means the smoke will be laying low throughout the evening. A lot of smoke is blowing across U.S. 62,” Langford said. “So drive slow. Watch out for our first responders. Same thing for a lot of our other roads and affected areas.”
The response is being supported by about 200 responders from local, federal, and tribal agencies.
Langford confirmed that at least five residential structures have been damaged or destroyed. Three civilians with unknown conditions had to be transported for medical care.