8 p.m. 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 AMENDED
Governor Kevin Stitt amended the State of Emergency today to add Harper County. The State of Emergency was initially declared on Wednesday, February 18 due to ongoing wildfires and fire weather conditions that began Tuesday. The four counties now included in the governor’s executive order are Beaver, Harper, Texas, and Woodward.
ADDITIONAL FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE GRANTS SECURED
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the state’s request Thursday for two additional Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) for the following fires:
- Rattlesnake Fire in Osage & Washington counties
- Hospital Road Fire in Carter County
Three FMAGs were approved Tuesday:
- Stevens Fire in Texas County
- Ranger Road Fire in Beaver and Harper counties
- 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.
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.
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is also collecting donations to help recovery efforts for rural Oklahomans affected by the wildfires. Donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar with the foundation, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, and Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance each matching up to $10,000 for a total donation match of up to $30,000. Find more information and donate at okfarmbureau.org
Beaver County Conservation District is coordinating donations of hay for wildfire relief. Hay can be dropped off at the Hamilton Farm, west of Knowles, OK on Highway 64.
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry reminds the public to use caution before bringing hay to northwest Oklahoma to prevent the spread of invasive fire ants. Find out if your county is under quarantine for fire ants on the USDA website.
Laverne Fire Department is accepting donations of non-perishables food, feed, hay, fencing, and monetary donations and is in contact with volunteer fire departments throughout the area.
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
The American Red Cross is providing 120 meals for responders in Carter County and Bartlesville.
One evacuation shelter was open at the First Baptist Church in Ramona, 499 4th Street, Ramona, OK. *The shelter is now closed.
FIRE UPDATES
Evacuations occurred today as a result of three new fires:
- In Beaver County, residents between Balko and Bryan’s Corner in were evacuated due to the Morning Fire. An evacuation center was opened at the Turpin Methodist Church. The evacuation order was canceled once firefighters were able to stop the fire progression. Oklahoma Forestry Services responded to the fire.
- In Osage & Washington counties, residents were evacuated north of Ochelata due to the Rattlesnake Fire. An evacuation site was opened at the First Baptist Church in Ramona. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bartlesville Fire, Washington County Fire, Barnsdall Fire, City of Tulsa Task Force, and Pawnee County Task Force have all responded to the fire. Oklahoma Forestry Services responded and a BIA air tanker provided air support.
- The state deployed Oklahoma Task Force 1 to provided additional emergency management technical assistance support for town leadership in Ochelata.
- In Carter County, residents were evacuated south of Healdton due to the Hospital Road Fire. Oklahoma Forestry Services responded along with the Johnston County Task Force. At least one home was damaged in the Freedom Lane area.
Thursday, February 19, the State EOC received reports of 42 fires and hotspots in 23 counties, including: Adair, Atoka, Beaver, Beckham, Carter, Cherokee, Coal, Craig, Delaware, Garvin, Jefferson, Johnston, Latimer, Logan, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Osage, Pittsburg, Pontotoc, Rogers, Sequoyah, Tulsa, and Woodward.
Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) crews assisted with 19 fires today.
OFS reports the following updated fire estimates:
- 43 Fire (Woodward County) 2,159 acres - 60% Contained
- Ranger Road Fire (Beaver and Harper counties / Kansas) 283,283 acres - 20% Contained
- Side Road Fire (Texas County) 3,680 acres - 75% Contained
- Stevens Fire (Texas County) 12,894 acres - 60% Contained
- Morning Fire (NW of Balko in Beaver County) 820 acres – 20% Contained
- Chelsea Fire (NE of Chelsea in Rogers County) 126 acres – 60% Contained
- Hospital Road Fire (NW of Lone Grove in Carter County) 182 acres – 40% Contained
- Rattlesnake Fire (NW of Ochelata in Osage and Washington counties) 1,400 acres
RESIDENTS ASKED TO REPORT DAMAGES
Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management continues to ask 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.
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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