9:40 Update
WILDFIRES IMPACTING STATE
The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated due to ongoing wildfires and fire weather conditions. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers across the state and coordinating with agencies and organizations including Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Oklahoma Forestry Services, Oklahoma Insurance Department, Oklahoma National Guard, National Weather Service, Tribal Nations, Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and others.
STATE OF EMERGENCY
Governor Kevin Stitt declared a State of Emergency today for 3 Oklahoma counties due to ongoing wildfires and fire weather conditions that began Tuesday. The counties included in the governor’s declaration are Beaver, Texas, and Woodward.
RESOURCES AND ASSISTANCE
The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation has established a Fire Relief Fund to support cattle producers impacted by the recent wildfires in Northwest Oklahoma. Find more information and donate at okcattlemen.org.
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) recommends any livestock producer impacted by the wildfires in Beaver, Texas or Woodward counties should make contact with their county FSA office as soon as possible. ODAFF is also coordinating with OSU Extension Offices.
Beaneighbor.org, through the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority, provides access to local support including financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost help. Search for aid in your area at Beaneighbor.org.
MASS CARE
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief provided 200 meals for responders today in Beaver County.
All evacuation shelters have closed, but could reopen if necessary.
FIRE UPDATES
Six Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) fire suppression teams were pre-positioned today in Beaver County, Texas County, Woodward, Henryetta, and Shawnee. Four of the teams responded to fires throughout the day.
OFS reports the following updated fire estimates:
- Ranger Road Fire (Beaver County / Kansas): 283,283 Acres - 15% Contained
- Stevens Fire (Texas County): 12,428 Acres - 50% Contained
- Side Road Fire (Texas County): 3,680 Acres - 60% Contained
- 43 Fire (Woodward County): 1,680 Acres - 30% Contained
- 206 Road Fire (Woodward County): 160 Acres
Additionally, on Wednesday, February 18, the State EOC received reports of 33 fires and hotspots in 23 counties, including: Atoka, Beckham, Blaine, Bryan, Carter, Coal, Custer, Garvin, Hughes, Kay, Lincoln, Logan, Love, Marshall, Mustang, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Stephens, Tillman, Woods, and Woodward.
RESIDENTS ASKED TO REPORT DAMAGES
Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is asking residents impacted by the fires to report damages to their property at damage.ok.gov. Reporting damage helps local and state emergency managers better coordinate response and recovery efforts and can help connect residents with resources. Residents can report damage to homes, businesses or agriculture through the online survey.
FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE GRANTS SECURED
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the state’s request Tuesday for 3 Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) for the Stevens Fire in Texas County, the Ranger Road Fire in Beaver County, and the 43 Fire in Woodward County.
The FMAGs may help reimburse local governments, volunteer fire departments and other first responders for costs associated with responding to the fires. The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse 75 percent of state, local and tribal government eligible firefighting costs for the designated fires. Fire departments and other agencies that responded to the fires above are advised to document all costs related to equipment and supplies (including fuel), labor costs, travel and per diem, temporary repairs of damage caused by firefighting activities, mobilization, and demobilization.
DIAL 211
For Oklahoma residents seeking non-emergency disaster or health and human service information, please contact 2-1-1. Services are available 24 hours a day by dialing 2-1-1 from your home or cellular telephone. Please only call 911 for emergencies.
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