Okla. grass fires prompt school, home evacuations

HARRAH, Okla. – Authorities say wind-driven grass fires in central Oklahoma have forced the evacuations of schools and homes, destroyed several barns and caused minor smoke-related injuries.

Oklahoma County Sheriff's spokesman Mark Myers says a high school, middle school and dozens of homes have been evacuated in Harrah, about 20 miles east of Oklahoma City.

A separate fire about 25 miles south of Oklahoma City near Goldsby burned several barns and forced the evacuation of housing additions near Riverwind Casino.

Goldsby emergency management director Greg Giltner says the fire had scorched about 1,000 acres. Giltner says firefighters have been able to save homes but several homeowners who were watering the grass suffered minor smoke inhalation and needed oxygen.