OKLAHOMA CITY (February 24, 2026) - Governor Kevin Stitt in a press conference announced that Oklahoma’s swift and coordinated wildfire response last week helped protect lives and property, even as fires burned more than 203,000 acres across the state. Building on that momentum, the Governor is coordinating a statewide plan to prepare for additional wildfire risk expected across Oklahoma in the coming weeks.
“Oklahomans are resilient, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to help them rebuild their homes, businesses, and lives," said Governor Stitt. "What matters most is that everyone stays safe. We can replace buildings, but we can’t replace lives.”
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Oklahoma National Guard, and Oklahoma Department of Public Safety are working together to enhance interagency fire suppression support.
Fire weather conditions are expected to intensify across Oklahoma and surrounding states, including worsening drought, dry vegetation, and unseasonably warm temperatures.
The strategy emphasizes the use of in-state resources, allowing for greater flexibility and faster deployment statewide. This includes Oklahoma National Guard’s air and ground firefighting resources; ODAFF’s fire suppression teams, equipment, and technical assistance; and local and regional wildfire task forces. The State Emergency Operations Center will remain activated with increased 24-hour staffing to support resource requests from local jurisdictions.
The Oklahoma National Guard has mobilized hand crews and is working jointly with OFS.
Two Oklahoma National Guard Blackhawk helicopters are on active duty at their home base in Tulsa, and an additional Chinook helicopter is available in Lexington. Oklahoma Forestry Services will preposition fire suppression teams in Atoka, Lawton, Guymon, Woodward, Weatherford, Skiatook, Stillwater and Shawnee.
“As we anticipate an extended period of increased fire risk, we are taking proactive steps to protect lives, property, and communities across our state,” said Governor Stitt. “There has never been a better coordinated response since I have been Governor. At every level, our state agencies, our rural and municipal firefighters, and our state and local emergency managers are doing an amazing job.”
More than 203,000 acres have burned across the state since last Tuesday, including the Ranger Road Fire in Beaver and Harper counties. At least four firefighters have been injured while responding to the fires. State agencies will continue to monitor fire weather conditions closely and remain prepared to scale operations as needed.
Oklahomans are encouraged to stay alert to local fire conditions, follow county burn bans and safety guidance, and report wildfires immediately by calling 911.
As mentioned in today’s press conference, the 2025 Wildfire Task Force Report is now available.
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