Federal aid approved for Creek County

OKLAHOMA CITY - Federal aid has been approved for Creek County residents after a rash of wildfires tore through much of the area.

Gov. Mary Fallin announced the disaster relief Wednesday.

Aid for Cleveland, Oklahoma and Payne counties is still under consideration.

"I am happy to see the federal government has approved our request for assistance in Creek County," Fallin said. "However, large areas of the state and hundreds of families are currently receiving no federal assistance. I personally spoke with men and women in other areas of the state who had lost everything to the wildfires. Those people need help."

Nearly 680 homes and businesses were damaged beginning July 28 as fires burned more than 114,000 acres across the state. This includes 603 homes that were destroyed. An estimated 85 percent of the homes damaged or destroyed were not insured.

"Regardless of the county, those with wildfire damage to their homes or businesses should reach out to FEMA and report their losses," Fallin said. "Doing so will help to support the case for additional federal assistance for the many Oklahoma families in need."

All those who have sustained wildfire damage since July 28 are urged to call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or go online at www.disasterassistance.gov and go ahead and report their damage.