Oklahoma fire forces evacuation of 600

EDMOND, Oklahoma (CNN) -- A fire just north of Edmond, Oklahoma, grew Tuesday to a radius of six to seven miles in two hours, leading officials to call for the evacuation of at least 600 residents and a day-care center.

At least seven children who were taking their afternoon nap were evacuated when a man noticed that their day-care facility was threatened by the fire. Several children were taken to an area hospital for observation, said David Gallagher with Oklahoma City REACT.

MESSAGE BOARD Nature's wrath

"Several houses and barns have already been lost, and heavy winds are keeping us from getting a handle on it," said Lisa Sutterfield, with the Edmond City Fire Department.

Sustained winds of 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph combined with more than 50 days without rain accelerated the fire's spread.

The area of the fire is mostly rural just north of Oklahoma City.

"There are some pretty pricey homes in that area," Gallagher said.

Authorities had no estimate for containment.

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City of Edmond, Oklahoma

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