Governor Brad Henry, others cancel tours of fire areas

Friday, January 13th 2006, 6:16 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A spokesman for Governor Brad Henry says an aerial tour of some of the state's most fire-ravaged areas Friday was called off so the helicopter can be used to help fight the fires.

The governor, Congressman Tom Cole and Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin had planned to view scorched areas of southern and southeastern Oklahoma today. But Henry spokesman Paul Sund says Henry has now ordering his helicopter and all state air support to be used in firefighting efforts.

Henry, Cole and Fallin still plan to visit the Shawnee Command Center Friday afternoon for a briefing on the fires and firefighting efforts.

More than 380,000 acres have burned since November first and about 250 homes and businesses have been destroyed.

Two people have died.