State officials brace for more grassfires

Saturday, January 7th 2006, 12:26 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Firefighters across the state brace for more wildfires today, while weather officials declare that only a significant amount of rain will halt the outbreaks.

Additional fire crews have been sent to Shawnee, Stillwater, Bartlesville, Ada and Ardmore to prepare for possible grassfires.

Fire crews in Oklahoma City have geared up with nine extra brush pumpers.

Oklahoma City Fire Major Brian Stanaland says the department battled about 900 fires in 2005. He says it could be more this year if the dry weather conditions persist.

Statewide, grass fires have killed two people, burned across more than 363,000 acres and destroyed more than 220 homes and businesses since November One.