Calmer, weather aids firefighters

UNDATED (AP) -- Five large wildfires continue burning in Oklahoma Tuesday, but lighter winds in the state are helping firefighters as they battle the flames.<br/><br/>No serious injuries are reported from

Sunday, November 27th 2005, 7:15 pm

By: News On 6

UNDATED (AP) -- Five large wildfires continue burning in Oklahoma Tuesday, but lighter winds in the state are helping firefighters as they battle the flames.

No serious injuries are reported from the more than dozen fires that began Sunday, but several firefighters have suffered smoke inhalation and minor injuries and as many as 50 homes have been destroyed.

Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman Michelann Ooten says the situation is improving. She says the fires are in McIntosh, Wagoner, Stephens and Garvin Counties and estimates they are about 60 percent contained.

Ooten says the calmer weather allows firefighters to call for air support, including tankers and helicopters to drop water on the flames.

Governor Brad Henry has issued an emergency wildfire declaration for the state to clear the way for officials to ask for federal assistance if needed.