Lawton firefighters spent Friday evening battling a fast-moving vegetation fire just east of Southwest 45th Street, and the scene was visible from across town. Crews were called around 5:15 p.m. to reports of a grass fire that quickly spread through dry brush and trees, with wind gusts pushing flames as high as 150 feet. The fire threatened a southwest Lawton neighborhood and Cameron University’s Terry Bell Golf Center before firefighters contained the worst of it.
A resident on Southwest 45th joined the effort, using a hose to knock down hot spots near his home while crews worked the main fire. When the smoke cleared, a fire hydrant stood inside the burned easement, a clear sign of how close the flames came to the neighborhood.
Dry conditions across Comanche County mean fire danger stays elevated, especially on windy days. Residents are encouraged to avoid outdoor burning, keep yards clear of tall grass and debris, and know the location of the nearest hydrant. If you see smoke, call it in early.
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Local Lawton
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