Firefighters facing another hot and windy forecast worked Monday to battle a large wildfire in Oklahoma that destroyed at least six homes and left one person dead after a controlled burn spread out of control. The fire department said about 1,000 people on Sunday evacuated their homes in the Guthrie about 35 miles (56 kilometers) north of Oklahoma City. Guthrie Fire Department Chief Eric Harlow said a 56-year-old man who did not leave was found dead in his home Sunday night. The wildfire broke out Sunday afternoon and by 9 p.m. had burned up to 6 square miles (15 square kilometers) of land as well as several homes, AP quoted Harlow as saying. The fire was still burning Monday and threatening about 150 additional homes; Harlow said the blaze was about 75 percent contained. Temperatures later Monday were expected to hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), with winds gusting from the south at 33 mph (50 kph). Tuesday's winds were expected to be higher still, enhancing the risk of the fire spreading further. The Guthrie Fire Department said six homes were destroyed but that the number of damaged or destroyed homes would likely rise. Fire department crews assessed the fire and damage by helicopter.
