Oklahoma Requests Federal Assistance for Seven Counties in Wake of Wildfires

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Friday, March 21, Governor Kevin Stitt requested federal disaster aid for Oklahomans impacted by recent wildfires and high winds. If approved, the request would deliver federal assistance to residents and business owners in Cleveland, Creek, Lincoln, Logan, Oklahoma, Pawnee, and Payne counties.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management began Initial Damage Assessments in impacted areas beginning Saturday, March 15 and formally requested joint damage assessments with FEMA Region VI and the U.S. Small Business Administration beginning Monday, March 17. Damage assessments are ongoing in additional counties.

More than 530 homes and businesses were damaged beginning March 14 as fast-moving wildfires burned across the state. This includes 515 homes that were destroyed in these seven counties alone.

If the request for individual assistance is granted, Oklahomans who suffered uninsured or under insured fire damage in the seven counties would be eligible for assistance for housing repairs or temporary housing, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, disaster unemployment assistance and grants for serious needs and necessary disaster expenses not met by other programs.

As damage assessments continue, additional counties may be added to the request for assistance. Residents impacted by fires or high winds should continue to report their damage to damage.ok.gov if they have not already submitted a report.

Residents who were impacted by the fires do not have to wait to start cleanup or repairs to their homes or properties. Follow these steps:

• Take photos of the damage, including damaged vehicles.
• Save all repair or rebuilding receipts and take photos showing the work along the way.
• Document the make, model, and serial number of any appliances damaged, if possible.
• If you have insurance, file a claim with your insurance company right away.

A State of Emergency remains in place as declared by Governor Stitt on March 15. The State of Emergency lasts for 30 days. Individuals in need of resources can refer to the Oklahoma wildfire resource page at https://oklahoma.gov/oem/wildfire.html.

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