‘The worst disaster in Midwest City history’

Midwest City Police Chief Brandon Clabes watched towers of flame and smoke rise over homes in several neighborhoods Thursday evening.

As wind-whipped wildfires spread out of control, every blowing ember became a potential threat. Every home’s rooftop was potential kindling for the next fire.



Clabes said he can’t think of a disaster where more Midwest City residents had their lives or homes put in danger. About 100 homes were destroyed, authorities said.
"This is probably the worst disaster in Midwest City’s history, even worse than the May 3, 1999, tornadoes,” Clabes said

No serious injuries had been reported by 10 p.m., Lojka said. Some residents had been treated for smoke inhalation and some firefighters were treated for dehydration.
Authorities sent residents in the evacuated areas to the Midwest City Community Center, where about 100 people were staying Thursday evening.