Oklahoma is facing a heartbreaking crisis as massive wildfires tear through communities across the state. Republican Governor Kevin Stitt, who lost his own farmhouse in the blazes, has declared a State of Emergency while rallying citizens to help each other rebuild. And thankfully, we have a new administration in charge in D.C. – and if FEMA is no help, the new President will surely take action.
At a glance:
• Over 130 wildfires have ravaged 44 Oklahoma counties, destroying nearly 300 homes
• Governor Kevin Stitt lost his own farmhouse and declared emergencies in 12 counties
• One fatality reported from a car crash caused by smoke from the wildfires
• The fires have burned across 170,000 acres of land throughout the state
• Price gouging protections activated, limiting price increases to 10% during the emergency
Massive Destruction Across Oklahoma
A severe storm system bringing high winds and low humidity sparked over 130 wildfires across Oklahoma, creating a disaster of historic proportions. The blazes have destroyed nearly 300 structures, with the Stillwater area particularly devastated as more than 50 homes were reduced to ashes.
Republican Governor Kevin Stitt described the situation as “a perfect storm” while emphasizing the resilient spirit of Oklahomans. The Governor has been personally impacted by the disaster, sharing video footage of his own destroyed farmhouse while promising to lead rebuilding efforts.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management reported that the fires affected 170,000 acres across 44 counties, with one fatality reported from a car crash caused by smoke. Firefighters faced overwhelming conditions as they battled the blazes, with many suffering from smoke inhalation and dehydration while working tirelessly to protect communities.
Dozens of fires raged across Oklahoma Friday afternoon, fueled by high winds and dry conditions.
More than 50 houses were lost in Stillwater, the small Northeast Oklahoma town of Mannford was hit hard and popup fires devastated communities everywhere.https://t.co/iIq7j1R02Y
— KOSU (@KOSURadio) March 15, 2025
Governor Stitt Takes Action
Governor Stitt quickly declared a State of Emergency for 12 counties, activating crucial resources and protections for affected residents. The declaration enforces Oklahoma’s anti-price gouging law, limiting price increases to 10% during the emergency period, which will help families as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding.
“Neighbors are going to help neighbors like we always do,” Governor Stitt said.
The Governor also addressed potential causes of the devastating fires, noting that “some of the power lines contributed to this” and discussing plans to implement preventative measures like controlled burns under power lines.
Oklahoma’s emergency management operations center was activated as the fast-moving fires threatened multiple communities, leading to necessary evacuations in towns like Mannford. Fire crews from neighboring states including Louisiana and Arkansas were called in to assist the overwhelmed local departments, who responded to an unprecedented number of calls.
Community Response and Recovery
Despite the overwhelming destruction, the spirit of community and shared resilience has shone through as Oklahomans band together to support those who lost everything. Relief efforts are underway across the state, with shelters being established and resources coordinated for displaced families who now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.
Red Flag Warnings remain in effect in parts of western Oklahoma, indicating that fire dangers have not fully subsided. The power outages that initially affected 77,000 Oklahoma residents have been reduced to around 10,000 across the region, showing progress in infrastructure recovery even as the focus shifts to helping families who lost their homes.
