Sayre, OK – A fast-moving wildfire north-northwest of Sayre forced immediate evacuations Sunday afternoon as flames pushed southeast and smoke created dangerous travel conditions in western Oklahoma.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, in a message relayed by the National Weather Service in Norman at 12:03 p.m. CDT Sunday, a large and destructive wildfire was burning out of control about 3 miles north-northwest of Sayre after being reported at 11:42 a.m. Officials ordered anyone north of East 1170 Road and North 1880 Road to leave immediately to avoid injury or death.
The evacuation zone covers part of the Sayre area in Beckham County, where fast fire growth and thick smoke can quickly cut off escape routes. Emergency officials said residents should not wait to pack belongings before leaving. A reunification center is being set up at Sayre Public Schools for displaced residents.
Roads near the fire may already be affected by low visibility, smoke and emergency response traffic. Drivers are urged not to enter heavy smoke and to slow down and move over for firefighters and other emergency vehicles. Anyone leaving the area should keep headlights on, use caution at intersections and be ready for sudden road closures if conditions worsen.
The wildfire threat remains active Sunday afternoon, and more alerts could follow as crews monitor the fire’s spread near Sayre.
