MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

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April 9, 2009

I-35 closed in north-central Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Interstate 35 was closed in Payne County in north-central Oklahoma Thursday afternoon because of a large grass fire, one of several wind-wipped fires burning in the state.



A grass fire in southern Oklahoma's Carter County was forcing the evacuation of some residents in the area of state Highway 7.



Another fire was reported in central Oklahoma's Lincoln County, forcing some evacuations south of the Turner Turnpike and about 2 miles south of Wellston.



Residents of the small Lincoln County town of Sprarks were told to evacuate their residences because of a wildfire.



The Stephens County sheriff's office in southwest Oklahoma was requesting residents of the communities of Velma and Loco to evacuate to the fairgrounds in Duncan because of a fire near these small towns.



There were no reports of injuries.



The windy conditions were occurring while the eastern half of the state was under a tornado watch. Winds gusted to more than 50 mph in Oklahoma City.



High wind warnings and red flag warnings, meaning extreme fire danger, covered much of the western half of the state.



The National Weather Service said there was an enhanced risk for severe weather in the far northeast corner of the state.



Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.

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