Warm, windy and dry conditions fueled two massive grass fires in the county Thursday afternoon.

The first fire was ignited at approximately 1:15 west of Chuck’s Corner on Highway 70. That fire started when a red Ford Mustang caught fire and ignited the grass around it. Calera and Roberta firefighters responded to that fire and numerous other departments were called to assist.

Calera Fire-Rescue was in charge of incident command. According to Calera Assistant Fire Chief Brian Norton, the fire burned more than 300 acres from Highway 70E to Davis Road and firefighters were on the scene until approximately 8 p.m.

The Durant Fire Department sent seven men, two grass fire trucks, plus a pumper truck to be utilized if any structures caught fire.

Putting out the fire was a joint effort among many departments. Others responding were Bennington, Colbert, Yuba, Philadelphia, Cartwright, Caddo, Silo, West Bryan County, Achille, Bokchito, Albany, Kemp and Durant/Bryan County Emergency Management. Calera Police, Durant Police and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol also assisted.

Another grass fire erupted at 2:20 p.m. off Leavenworth Trail near West Highway 70. That fire was brought under control at 3:45 p.m., however firefighters remained on the scene until 10:20 p.m. due to flare ups, according to a dispatch log.

Silo, West Bryan County, Caddo, Albany, Kemp, Lakewood, Yuba, Colbert and Cartwright fire departments fought the fire.

That fire may have started from someone burning leaves, according to a dispatch log.

Burn permits are not being issued in the city of Durant. The county is not under a burn ban, although outdoor burning is discouraged.

“The humidity has been in the 15-25 percent range in the afternoons during the last week,” said Durant Fire Chief Steve Dow. “When that happens, our fire load just goes crazy.

“We just want people to realize the dangerous position we’re in right now and to refrain from burning trash or driving their vehicles in high grass. Just be careful.”

According to Dow, Sunday is particularly a high-risk day due to forecasts of high winds and warmer temperatures.

For wildfire safety information, visit Calera Fire-Rescue’s Web site at www.calerafd.net.