Brad Henry, the governor of Oklahoma, on Friday declared a state of emergency for 31 counties where wildfires and severe weather caused widespread damage.
The declaration came Friday, a day after wildfires injured at least 49 people and destroyed 100 homes. Sections of east Oklahoma County, including Midwest City, Choctaw and Nicoma Park, were especially hard hit.
Under his executive order, state agencies may make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to speed up the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. The declaration also marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary.
More counties can be added to the order as additional information becomes available.
Grass and trees continue to burn in southeast Oklahoma City on Friday, firefighters are still fighting fires all day long.
Meanwhile, officials are continuing assessing the damage that has left hundreds of people homeless.
Source: Xinhua
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