Forest fires are causing concern in Oklahoma this week, so much so that two tribal casinos had to close their doors and evacuate patrons. The Native Lights Casino and the 7 Clans First Council Casino Hotel both shut down on Tuesday as fires spread close to the border with Kansas.
The properties – owned and operated by the Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians – are situated near the Kansas border. Firefighters believed they were at a high risk as flames grew nearby, prompting the evacuation. Those in homes in the area also had to evacuate.
emergency services were able to prevent the fire from reaching the casinos
Ultimately, emergency services were able to prevent the fire from reaching the casinos. Kay County Emergency Management released a statement at 9pm Tuesday night confirming that they had managed to get control of the situation after unexpected wind caused the initial concern.
In total, Oklahoma experienced 32 separate fires. They resulted in loss of forests, in addition to some injuries and property damage.