Fire marshal: Blaze that destroyed dozens of homes in Oklahoma intentionally set

[babylonsister]

Fire marshal: Blaze that destroyed dozens of homes in Oklahoma intentionally set

By SEAN MURPHY | Associated Press | 1 hour, 7 minutes ago in US


An area near a wrecker service where the fire started Thursday is frequented by teenagers from a nearby high school and investigators were looking into the possibility that they might have set the blaze, Midwest City Fire Marshal Jerry Lojka said.

Authorities have not identified any suspects or determined a motive, he said.

The fire, one of several statewide driven by strong winds and fueled by dry grass and brush, engulfed homes throughout east Oklahoma County, including in Midwest City and Choctaw. So far, more than 100 houses had burned down in the state and 49 people were injured, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said.

Fire investigators were still trying to determine what caused the other fires.

The battle against wildfires in western and central Oklahoma and across the state line in Texas eased Friday as 60 mph winds diminished, allowing evacuated residents to return to neighborhoods with charred homes, blackened vegetation and ruined cars. At least three people were killed in Texas.

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http://www.newser.com/article/d97fruu00/fire-marshal-blaze-that-destroyed-dozens-of-homes-in-oklahoma-intentionally-set.html

[Mabus]

1. Wouldn't surprise me at all

It also wouldn't surprise me if someone nearby with business problems paid someone to set the fire.

[babylonsister]

2. Hey, you!

OT, but how was the inauguration?

And that could be; a struggling business and a perfect opportunity that got 'way' out of control.