India, Aug. 25 -- A ferocious and fast-moving wildfire broke out on Monday afternoon near the town of Velma in Stephens County, triggering immediate mandatory evacuation orders and mobilising emergency response units across southern Oklahoma.

The National Weather Service in Norman issued urgent fire warnings at the request of Stephens County Emergency Management, cautioning that dense smoke and unpredictable wind-driven runs pose a severe threat to local life and property. Local authorities have urged residents to evacuate the area immediately and avoid driving through blinding smoke as firefighters battle extreme weather conditions to contain the blaze.

The Stephens County Sheriff's Office issued an urgent directive instructing all res...