Live updates: Fire warning issued as wildfire blazes across western Oklahoma

The National Weather Service has issued a fire warning for portions of Custer County in western Oklahoma.

National Weather Service officials said a wildfire in the area is rapidly moving to the east and northeast. They urge people to stay aware of their surroundings.

Red Flag Warning canceled for Oklahoma County

4:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service canceled the red flag warning for Oklahoma, Lincoln, McClain, Cleveland, Stephens and Jefferson counties just after 3 p.m. Tuesday. This means these counties no longer have favorable conditions for the ignition and spread of wildfires.

The most severe fire danger remains to the west of the metro, due to the dry line having stalled before making it to the Oklahoma City area.

Meanwhile, meteorologists in Norman are monitoring the chances of severe storms that could develop this evening across southern and central Oklahoma.

-Jana Hayes

Route 66 Fire blazes across Custer County, Weatherford Public Schools bus routes affected

4:06 p.m.

Officials with Oklahoma Forestry Services said the Custer County blaze is now being referred to as the Route 66 Fire. An estimated 1,550 acres has been burned, according to the agency.

Weatherford Public Schools said in a statement on social media that parents living in the bus route dedicated to areas north of Lawter Road and west of SH 54 should instead pick their children up at the school’s administration building on 1409 Cypress.

-Jessie Christopher Smith

Officials evacuate part of Custer County, not Weatherford

3:21 p.m.

Officials are ordering evacuations for portions of Custer County as crews continue to battle a large wildfire between the cities of Clinton and Weatherford, Oklahoma, just west of E1020 and N2350.

According to the Weatherford Fire Department, the order applies to the area between 2330 and 2340 north of Interstate 40.

“There is NO evacuation order for the City residents of Weatherford,” fire officials said.

The fire warning for the area has now been extended to 4 p.m.

-Jessie Christopher Smith

Wildfire spreading east in Custer County

2:16 p.m.

Fire crews in Custer County of western Oklahoma are responding to a wildfire rapidly moving to the east and northeast.

Around 1:07 p.m., meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Norman issued a fire warning for parts of Custer County.

“Residents should evacuate to the west and the south of the warned area,” the alert read. “Smoke and fire will present a hazard along Interstate 4o between Weatherford and Clinton.”

Meteorologists said people in the area should evacuate quickly and follow directions from local emergency management officials. The warning remains in effect until at least 3 p.m.“Do not drive into smoke,” the National Weather Service advised. “Stay aware of your surroundings!”

More: Dozens of grass fires consume homes north of OKC; residents evacuated near Edmond, Guthrie

The forecast office had previously issued a “red flag” warning of severe fire weather Tuesday for much of Oklahoma. Wildfires can start and spread quickly in areas with heavy wind gusts, warmer-than-average temperatures and dry air.

“It will become very windy (and) fire danger will become extreme today in the west with the strong winds and very low humidity,” meteorologists said Tuesday morning. “Be very careful to avoid the start or spread of any fires today."

-Jessie Christopher Smith

Oklahoma fire map shows smoke, wildfires across state

If you can't see the map below, please click here.

Fires expected to spark across Oklahoma Tuesday

Firefighters across the state are looking at a big threat Tuesday as winds ramp up and bring a wildfire danger. The winds will enhance the threat of fires, and a wildfire could spark in seconds.

More: After hundreds of wildfires scorched Oklahoma on Friday, forecasters sound the alarm of more to come.

How to prevent wildfires

While severely warm weather can worsen a wildfire spread, most are the result of human behavior. In fact, nearly 85% of wildfires in the U.S. are caused by humans, according to the National Park Service.

With its wide acres, rural areas and inconsistent weather patterns, Oklahoma is prone to grass fires. Forestry and safety experts offer several guidelines for residents on how to avoid starting a fire, which can often breakout from just one wrong spark.

• Avoid using welding equipment.

• Never drive on a flat tire.

• Extinguish cigarettes completely before properly disposing of them, and never throw them outside of a window while driving.

• Avoid parking on dry grass or dragging chains behind your car.

More: How to help Oklahoma residents impacted by the fires

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Fire breaks out in western Oklahoma, Weatherford