7 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.
PRICE GOUGING STATUTE IN EFFECT
The Emergency Price Stabilization Act is in effect following the Governor's declaration of emergency for 4 counties devastated by this week's wildfires. The law, also referred to as the price gouging statute, prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent for the price of goods and services and helps protect citizens from unfair price hikes. The statute is in effect for Beaver, Harper, Texas, and Woodward.
RESOURCES AND ASSISTANCE
OEM has created the Wildfire Relief Information page, check this page often for new information.
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief has volunteer teams ready to assist families affected by the recent disasters. Please call 844-690-9198 or fill out a request form online at www.okdisasterhelp.org.
Woodward Livestock Auction is accepting donations to support those impacted by the ongoing wildfires and firefighters. Supplies needed include: hay, water and Gatorade, Liquid IV, non-perishable snacks, eye drops, lip balm, and baby wipes. If you need hay or can haul it, please email woodward@westernlivestock.com or call (580) 256-5547. Direct monetary donations may be made to 1000 Hills Ranch Church: https://app.clovergive.com/app/giving/clodo-1000hillsranchchurch.
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-perishable foods, 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.
Donating cash is always a good option. Be careful to pick a reputable charity, as there are many scams that pop up during disasters.
FIRE UPDATES
Wildfire fighting continued today on fires that started earlier this week. One new wildfire in Cimarron County was reported today, Friday, February 20, to the State EOC.
OFS reports the following updated fire estimates:
- Ranger Road Fire (Beaver and Harper Counties / Kansas): 283,283 Acres (est.) / 30% Contained
- Morning Fire (Beaver County): 820 acres / 80% Contained
- Stevens Fire (Texas County / Kansas): 12,428 Acres / 75% Contained
- Side Road Fire (Texas County): 3,680 Acres / 85% Contained
- 43 Fire (Woodward County): 1,680 Acres / 90% Contained
- Poor Farm Fire (Latimer County): 9,565 Acres (est) / 50% Contained
- Chelsea Fire (Rogers County): 126 Acres / 100% Contained
- Hospital Road Fire (Carter County): 182 Acres / 95% Contained
- Rattlesnake Fire (Osage and Washington Counties): 1,400 Acres / 50% Contained
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.
FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE GRANTS SECURED
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the state’s request for Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) for the following fires:
Five FMAGs were approved this week:
- Stevens Fire in Texas County
- Ranger Road Fire in Beaver and Harper counties
- 43 Fire in Woodward County
- Rattlesnake Fire in Osage and Washington counties
- Hospital Road Fire in Carter 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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