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Officials say wildfire slightly smaller, but more damaging than thought

Radar photo courtesy of the National Weather Service
Radar photo courtesy of the National Weather Service

MEDICINE LODGE, Kan. (AP) — Oklahoma officials say a wildfire that started last week in northwest Oklahoma and expanded into Kansas is likely slightly smaller than originally thought.

Oklahoma Forestry Services said Monday a plane equipped with multiple GPS units estimated the total burn area at 574 square miles. The agency earlier estimated the size of the fire at 620 square miles.

Agency spokeswoman Hannah Anderson says the area mapped Monday is likely a more accurate portrayal of the fire’s size because it used more precise instruments.

As of late Monday afternoon, Oklahoma officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire.

Authorities say more homes were damaged than originally thought. The Kansas Adjutant General’s Office says nine Barber County homes were destroyed. Earlier estimates showed anywhere from two to six homes were destroyed in the county, which suffered the most damage in Kansas.

If you’d like to help out the victims, there are several agencies organizing those efforts. Click here for more.

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