The Oklahoma Highway Patrol continues to report spreading wildfires across the state. Shortly after 2 p.m. Thursday, troopers and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority were on the scene of a large grass fire that started near State Highway 48 and Benight Road in Pawnee County. It has since moved north to the Cimarron Turnpike.

The turnpike was closed eastbound at State Highway 99 and closed westbound at mile marker 59 (the U.S. Highway 64/State Highway 48 to Cleveland and Mannford exit.)

Pawnee County has been evacuating residents between Benight Road and County Barn Road south of the Cimarron Turnpike.

In addition, US 64 has been shut down at Dal Rock Road, about 2 miles north of U.S. 412.

Roads also have been closed in parts of Nowata County because of grass fires. 

The Red Flag Fire Warning continues in effect Thursday afternoon and evening. Authorities advise all residents of Oklahoma to exercise extreme caution in dry, windy conditions. Please take all precautions to prevent the start or spread of any outdoor fires under these conditions.