Oklahoma was engulfed by a ferocious wildfire outbreak, prompting Governor Kevin Stitt to declare a state of emergency for 12 counties.
Fueled by extreme winds and dry conditions, more than 130 wildfires ravaged 44 counties across the state, leaving a trail of destruction, injuries, and widespread disruption.
As firefighting efforts continue, the scale of the disaster is becoming clearer, with significant impacts on communities, infrastructure, and lives.
According to KOCO News, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 112 injuries linked to the wildfires as of March 15.
Among these, six individuals suffered burns, nine experienced cuts or puncture wounds, and 27 were injured due to falls.
Additionally, 19 injuries were classified as “transportation-related,” likely due to accidents caused by smoke and poor visibility, while 38 were labeled as “other fire-related” injuries.
Specific incidents highlight the human toll: in Lincoln County, two people were burned in a wildfire, as reported by News 9, and a firefighter from Little Axe was hospitalized while battling flames but is expected to recover, per KOCO News.
While no fatalities have been officially confirmed in some reports, posts on X and other sources suggest at least one death may have occurred, though this remains unverified by state authorities as of this writing.
The Oklahoma City Fire Department responded to nearly 400 incidents by 7:00 p.m. on March 14, including 19 structure fires and 115 grass fires, underscoring the intensity of the crisis.
“The damage is unbelievable,” Governor Stitt remarked during a Saturday news conference, noting the personal impact as he lost a farmhouse north of Luther to the flames, according to ABC News.
In response to the escalating disaster, Governor Stitt signed an executive order on March 15 declaring a state of emergency for 12 counties: Cleveland, Creek, Dewey, Grady, Lincoln, Logan, Oklahoma, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie, Roger Mills, and Stephens.
The declaration, detailed by OU Daily, suspends size and weight restrictions for oversized vehicles transporting emergency supplies, facilitating rapid relief efforts.
The order will remain in effect for 30 days, with Stitt indicating that additional counties may be added as damage assessments continue, as reported by News on 6.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center, issuing 27 Wireless Emergency Alerts for evacuations in coordination with the National Weather Service and local officials.
Evacuation orders remain in effect across multiple areas, with shelters established to accommodate displaced residents.
KOCO News reported that major fires in Mannford, Stillwater, Guthrie, Leedey, Norman, Oklahoma City, and Little Axe have contributed to the widespread need for emergency measures.
According to Governor Stitt’s statements reported by KOCO News and Oklahoma Emergency Services officials, the wildfires have scorched approximately 170,000 acres and destroyed nearly 300 structures, including at least 200 homes.
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center had warned of “near historic” fire conditions across the Plains, with humidity levels dropping below 10% and winds gusting up to 80 mph—conditions Stitt described as a “perfect storm” in an interview with ABC News.
At their peak, power outages affected over 77,000 residents, and as of Saturday evening, around 40,000 were still without electricity, per oklahoma.gov.
Highway closures reported by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, such as those in Creek, Osage, Pawnee, and Payne counties, have complicated response efforts and evacuations. Meanwhile, crews from Louisiana and Arkansas have arrived to assist Oklahoma’s overwhelmed firefighters, Stitt noted.
Governor Stitt praised the “Oklahoma Standard,” highlighting how neighbors are stepping up to help one another with shelters and support.
“Sarah and I are heartbroken for the families and businesses who’ve suffered loss today,” he posted on social media, as quoted by KOCO News.
According to News 9, the American Red Cross and other organizations are on standby to provide resources, and evacuation centers like Lakeside Baptist Church and the Case Community Center in Sand Springs offer refuge.
However, challenges persist. A red flag warning remains in effect until 9 p.m. on March 15, signaling continued fire danger, and the National Weather Service cautions that risks may resurface early the following week.
The cause of the fires is under investigation, but the combination of dry vegetation, low humidity, and fierce winds has created a volatile situation that officials are racing to contain.
Looking Ahead
