Oklahoma wildfires destroy nearly 300 structures, injure 112 people

Wildfires burned through approximately 68 800 ha (170 000 acres) of land across Oklahoma on March 14 and 15, destroying about 293 structures, including at least 200 homes. In Logan County alone, 50 residential structures were reported lost.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health recorded 112 fire-related injuries, including six burn cases. Firefighters also experienced minor injuries, mainly by smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion. No fire-related fatalities have been reported.

Emergency declarations were issued for 12 counties as firefighting efforts and damage assessments continued.

A Red Flag Warning remained in effect for northwestern Oklahoma until 21:00 LT (03:00 UTC) on March 15 due to ongoing gusty winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation.

Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency on March 15 for 12 counties: Cleveland, Creek, Dewey, Grady, Lincoln, Logan, Oklahoma, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie, Roger Mills, and Stephens. The declaration allows state agencies to bypass normal purchasing procedures to deliver emergency resources efficiently and suspends vehicle size and weight limits for relief transport. The declaration is valid for 30 days.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved 13 Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs), enabling reimbursement of up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs to state, local, and tribal governments.

Winds reaching up to 120 km/h (75 mph) toppled power poles and damaged infrastructure in Stillwater and surrounding areas, leaving over 80 000 customers without power at the peak of the windstorm. By March 15, approximately 6 300 outages remained, with OG&E reporting 3 200 customers still without electricity.

Evacuations were ordered in Stillwater, Mannford, Payne County, Lincoln County, and Logan County. In Stillwater, the evacuation zone stretched from Sixth to 44^th Streets and South Range to Sangra roads, while residents near northeast 68^th and Underwood in Payne County and west-southwest of Stillwater were also directed to leave.

The fires were reported in at least 44 counties, with over 130 separate blazes recorded. 12 fires were burning in the Norman area alone, affecting homes in Cleveland County and spreading toward Little Axe and Lake Thunderbird.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol closed sections of US-64, SH-51, SH-99, SH-16, and the Turner Turnpike in response to reduced visibility from smoke and dust storms. Emergency teams from Tulsa and Rogers County provided additional firefighting support in Mannford and other hard-hit areas.

The Rainy Mountain Kiowa Indian Church near Mountain View, over 130 years old, was destroyed by fire after winds downed power lines, sparking flames. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support rebuilding efforts for the historic site.

Aid organizations have provided over 920 meals to evacuees and first responders. The Salvation Army began serving 1 200 meals per day in Stillwater on March 16. Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief is feeding evacuees in Stillwater, Pawnee, and Leedey.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the Oklahoma fires. Especially those in my college town of Stillwater, OK. So much devastation—Dear friends who’ve lost their homes overnight. Looking at the best way to get involved in the relief effort. Pray for Oklahoma!” former Oklahoma State University quarterback Mason Rudolph expressed his condolences.

Residents are urged to remain alert and report any new fires to emergency services. Fire risk remains elevated across Oklahoma through March 18.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a fire weather watch for March 17 and 18, predicting sustained winds of 40–55 km/h (25–35 mph) with gusts reaching 80 km/h (50 mph) and temperatures up to 27°C (80°F).

References:

¹ Wildfire Situation Update 2 – Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management – March 15, 2025

² Injuries reported, state of emergency issued following wildfire outbreak in Oklahoma – KOCO NEWS 5 abc – March 15, 2025

³ Oklahoma fire recovery continues in central OK – news9 – March 16, 2025