A devastating series of wildfires swept through Oklahoma, destroying hundreds of homes, including Governor Kevin Stitt's ranch near Luther.
According to Fox Weather, the wildfires that began on Friday have damaged more than 400 homes across the state, with four confirmed fatalities and over 140 injuries reported by state health officials.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management confirmed deaths in Lincoln, Garfield, Haskell, and Pawnee counties as the fires, fueled by high winds and dry conditions, forced residents to evacuate with only the clothes on their backs. Emergency management officials issued mandatory evacuation orders for several areas west of Stillwater along State Highway 51.
Governor Kevin Stitt shared a poignant video on social media documenting the complete destruction of his family's ranch. The footage revealed the stark aftermath of the disaster, showing only a chimney standing and a fire-damaged gun safe in what was once the basement.
Stitt expressed his shock at the sudden nature of the disaster. He said:
You never think it's going to happen to your place, and these wildfires just come out of nowhere and can really take over.
The governor spent Saturday morning visiting fire victims in Stillwater and Mannford, witnessing firsthand the devastation inflicted on local communities. Power crews continue working to restore electricity, with fewer than 1,000 outages reported statewide.
A state of emergency remains active in 12 Oklahoma counties as authorities coordinate relief efforts. The fires' impact extended beyond human settlements, affecting local wildlife populations, with footage from Harper County Emergency Management showing deer herds fleeing the flames.
The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has been working to identify victims while emergency services continue their response to the disaster. Local communities have demonstrated remarkable resilience, with neighbors helping each other in the aftermath of the destruction.
Governor Stitt highlighted the community's response, stating:
Heartbreaking day across our state. Neighbors were already out helping their fellow Oklahomans. That's what the Oklahoma standard is all about.
The National Weather Service has issued Fire Weather Warnings across much of the central and southern Plains for Monday and Tuesday. Windy and dry conditions are expected to maintain high fire danger levels across most of Oklahoma.
Weather experts predict elevated fire danger across portions of the central and southern High Plains, with conditions potentially reaching extremely critical levels by Tuesday. These weather patterns continue to pose significant challenges for firefighting efforts and recovery operations.
Emergency management teams remain on high alert as they monitor the evolving situation and coordinate resources to protect vulnerable areas.
The devastating wildfires that began on March 14 have left an indelible mark on Oklahoma's landscape, claiming four lives and destroying hundreds of homes, including Governor Kevin Stitt's ranch near Luther. The fires, intensified by high winds and dry conditions, forced numerous evacuations and prompted a state of emergency declaration in 12 counties. As critical fire weather conditions persist across the southern Plains, emergency services remain vigilant while communities band together to rebuild from the destruction.
