OKLAHOMA CITY, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- A massive Oklahoma City wildfire burned a dozen homes, destroyed a church and led to the evacuations of hundreds of people, officials said Wednesday.
Deputy Fire Chief Marc Woodard said said flare-ups continued Wednesday in northeast Oklahoma City where the fire, intensified by a heat wave, drought and wind, had burned 4,000 to 5,000 acres, The Oklahoman reported.
Harrison Bethel Baptist Church burned down at 4 a.m. Wednesday, the newspaper reported.
"In a situation like this, you're kind of numb," the Rev. Johnny Moore said. "Yet you have the assurance that God is going to walk us through and that we're going to be all right, but at this point, I'm still somewhat numb because of the fire."
He said the church was about 30 years old and is insured.
Oklahoma City officials requested Oklahoma Air National Guard helicopters return to the area Wednesday.
One firefighter was treated for minor burns, and another was taken to a hospital complaining with chest pains, Woodard said. And a 60-year-old woman with breathing problems was in good condition at a hospital, the Oklahoman said.
More than 7,000 homes and businesses lost power due to the wildfire, which began Tuesday and was contained late Tuesday.
The Red Cross established an overnight shelter for families forced to evacuate their homes.
