Update: All okay after fire emergency declared in Vernon

11:50 a.m. update, all clear. Police are opening U.S. 70, residents can return to homes.

11:10 a.m. update: Atmos reports that gas shut off; no further evacuations needed. Those already evacuated have not been cleared to return however.

10:50 a.m. update: Residents are being evacuated to Vernon College. Hyper reach has been activated.

10:40 a.m. update: Personnel are going door to door evacuating residents due to two exposed gas leaks in area of grass fire.

10:30 a.m.: The area around Wilbarger General Hospital in west Vernon is shut down due to a grass fire burning out of control. Fires are burning in residential yards. First responders are evacuating a nursing home on Hospital Drive at this time.

A gas meter reportedly sprang a leak, and is posing an imminent threat.

Do not attempt to drive in the area of Hillcrest, Kelly or College drives.