Authorities look for the origin of the devastating Creek County fire

The investigation into how the fire started in Creek County last Thursday began in earnest today.

Authorities tell KRMG all department resources went to saving lives and property this past weekend but have shifted to discovering where and when the fire started.

Creek County Undersheriff John Davis tells KRMG that authorities believe the fire started north of the Bristow area and west of Highway 48.

KRMG had heard the fire may have started on Indian land but both the Creek County Sheriff's office and Muscogee Creek Nation Chief George Tiger tell KRMG those reports may not be accurate.

"I think it is too early to assume that this particular fire was started in Indian country.  We are finding out that may not entirely be the case,” says Muscogee Creek Nation Chief George Tiger.

He tells us that not only is the Muscogee Creek Nation working a joint investigation with Creek County but that the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the FBI are also involved.

We also wanted to know about the statewide burn ban and how it might apply to land in Creek County.

Chief Tiger tells KRMG the Oklahoma burn ban wouldn't apply to tribal, trust or restricted land.

He says he issued a burn ban for the Muscogee Creek Nation Saturday after careful consideration because the summer is ceremonial time for the tribe and fire is a key part of the ceremony.