OKLAHOMA CITY, March 12 (UPI) -- Wildfires raced through towns outside Oklahoma City, gutting at least 31 houses and 10 other structures Friday, officials said.
Michelann Ooten, a spokeswoman for the Department of Emergency Management, said more than 20 grass fires were reported around the state as high winds, warm weather and new grass created perfect conditions for their spread, CNN reported.
Ooten said emergency officials hoped a cooler weekend would give the state some relief from fires.
Gov. Mary Fallin declared a state of emergency for all of Oklahoma, allowing agencies to cut red tape in the purchase firefighting equipment and relief supplies. The declaration also began the federal aid process.
"We know homes, as well as other property, have been lost and we will work to do everything we can to help Oklahomans during their time of need," Fallin said.
In some areas, schools and houses were evacuated. The worst damage was reported from Choctaw, Midwest City, Harrah and Shawnee, all east of Oklahoma City.
