Oklahoma Governor Requests Federal Aid

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Gov. Brad Henry is requesting federal disaster aid for nine Oklahoma counties that were hit hard by wildfires on April 9.

Henry said Wednesday he has requested aid for residents and business owners in Carter, Cleveland, Grady, Lincoln, McClain, Murray, Oklahoma, Payne and Stephens counties.

He said 270 homes and businesses were damaged by wind-whipped fires that burned across than 100,000 acres across the state. This includes 228 homes that were destroyed.

4/14/2009 Related story: State Farm Sees $10 Million Loss In Fires

If the request is granted, Oklahomans who had uninsured fire damage in the nine counties would be eligible for assistance for housing repairs or temporary housing, low-interest loans, unemployment assistance and grants. Henry said more counties could be added to the request.