High winds and dry conditions fueled devastating wildfires across Oklahoma on Friday, burning nearly 170,000 acres and destroying hundreds of structures. Communities from Stillwater to Mannford were left in crisis, with many residents fleeing with only the clothes on their backs. Governor Kevin Stitt confirmed Saturday that over 400 homes and structures had been lost, including his own farmhouse north of Luther. A disaster emergency declaration for 12 counties has been issued to facilitate federal assistance.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner con- firmed four fatalities related to the fires or high winds. Those fatalities were reported in Lincoln, Garfield, Haskell and Pawnee counties.

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, 142 injuries related to the wildfires were reported to state hospitals. Seven people suffered burns, 9 people suffered cuts or being pierced and 31 people suffered injuries due to falls.

Officials said 36 injuries were “transportation related,” 16 people were struck by something, one had a poisoning injury and 42 were considered “other fire related” injuries.

While Okmulgee County was spared from the worst destruction, emergency responders and volunteers worked tirelessly to battle the flames and support neighboring counties. According to Okmulgee County Emergency Management (OCEM) Director Jeffrey Moore, county crews responded to multiple fires, with 2,500 acres burned last week alone. Over the past two weeks, nearly 5,000 acres have been scorched.

“We do not qualify for an FMAG (Fire Management Assistance Grant) because we were able to contain our fires without evacuations,” Moore explained. “Thank God for that. No structures were lost, and we only had one injury from a helicopter crash.”

Moore praised the dedication of local volunteers and firefighters who worked long hours, even assisting neighboring McIntosh County, where a firefighter went missing while battling a grass fire in the Hanna area. The firefighter was later found safe and transported to the Salem-Ryal Fire Department.

--- Emergency Response & Fire Activity

• Wednesday: Provided mutual aid to McIntosh County for a large wildfire in Hanna.

• Thursday: Two major grass fires - one at Jameson Ranch and another north of Henryetta. Additionally, a helicopter crash resulted in one injury; the victim was airlifted to Tulsa.

• Friday: Multiple grass fires burned approximately 2,000 acres. Responders managed to contain the flames, preventing structural damage.

• Saturday: OCEM staff attended cross-training with the American Red Cross to strengthen disaster response capabilities.

• Sunday: Wildland fires flared up in Twin Hills, Schulter, and Bryant. Firefighters worked through the day to contain all fires.

Despite the challenges, no mandatory evacuations were issued in Okmulgee County. However, on Monday, an evacuation order was placed for Tiger Mountain Road in McIntosh County as fires continued to spread in the area, briefly shutting down sections of I-40.

--- Weather Outlook & Continued Risk

Fire conditions remain a concern, with forecasts predicting continued high winds and dry conditions through Tuesday. Authorities warn that fire danger remains critical, urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared.

--- Community & Agency Support

Emergency responders from across Okmulgee County and beyond banded together to fight the blazes. Nuyaka Fire Department highlighted the overwhelming community support, with local churches, businesses, and individuals donating food, drinks, and equipment.

“Our department was very busy with the high winds,” Nuyaka Fire officials stated. “We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the support we get from our community. A special thanks to Wilson and Slick Fire Departments for coming to help!”

Henryetta Fire Chief Wieland echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the dedication of local firefighters. “I have the honor to work with some of the most selfless individuals you will ever meet,” he said. “I would go to battle with each one of them any day.”

Multiple volunteer fire departments, including Wilson, Dewar, Schulter, Plainview and Salem-Ryal, played crucial roles in keeping fires from spreading into populated areas.

Muscogee Nation Emergency Management Operations Center was activated last Friday and assisted with the various operations. Emergency personnel and Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department officers were deployed on Highway 48 south of Bristow, blocking the highway along with blocking the intersections of Hwy 48 and 51 eastbound in Mannford. Officers assisted with the evacuation of the entire town of Mannford. The EOC is coordinated efforts with OHP, Oklahoma Emergency Management, Creek, Okmulgee, and Okfuskee counties in these efforts.

--- A Word from OC Emergency Management Reflecting on the recent wildfires, OCEM Director Moore expressed his gratitude.

“In 30 years of emergency services, I have never seen winds like we had Friday. Our firefighters worked their tails off to prevent loss of homes and lives,” Moore said. “If you see any Okmulgee County First Responders, join us in thanking them. These men and women do not have to do what they do—they do it to serve the communities we all love and live in.”

As Oklahoma continues to assess the damage and recover, the resilience and unity of first responders,