Wildfires in Oklahoma: Flames and smoke spread on Highway 51
Police placed roadblocks on Highway 51 past the east Meridian sign to prevent people from getting closer to the flames.
Most of western Oklahoma remains under a red flag warning on Tuesday, with a critical-to-extreme fire danger as gusty wind continues to blow across the state.
It is the fifth straight day where the wildfire risk is elevated, but it won’t be the last. A long-range forecast shows either elevated or near-critical risk of wildfire every day until at least next week. Conditions, however, are starting to improve.
Hundreds of homes damaged because of wildfire
By Sunday afternoon, emergency managers across the state had identified more than 400 damaged homes.
In some cases, entire neighborhoods were evacuated as fires approached.
To help identify all areas of damage across the state, Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is asking residents with damage from wildfires or wind to submit a report at damage.ok.gov. Reporting damage helps local and state emergency managers better coordinate response and recovery efforts and can help connect residents to resources.
Residents can report damage to homes, businesses or agriculture through the online survey.
Four deaths, hundreds injured as of Tuesday
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed four fatalities related to the fires or high winds. There were one each in Lincoln County, Garfield County, Haskell County and Pawnee County.
Additionally, Oklahoma hospitals have reported 200 injuries, mostly related fires, wind or vehicle accidents.
By Tuesday, eight of Oklahoma’s 77 counties have implemented a burn ban.
How to get help during Oklahoma’s wildfire outbreak
There are a number of resources available to Oklahomans who were displaced or otherwise affected by the fires.
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers are available to help homeowners in need of help with chainsaw or ash clean up. To request assistance, call (844) 690-9198, visit okdisasterhelp.org or visit the volunteers on site at the following locations:
- FBC Mannford, 105 Greenwood Ave, Mannford, OK 74044
- Countryside Church, 2124 S. Western Rd, Stillwater, OK 74074
Additionally, Oklahoma’s Be a Neighbor website can be used to connect with nonprofits and community organizations that are ready to help
Oklahomans who lost food purchased with SNAP, also known as food stamps, may be eligible for replacement SNAP benefits. Report the loss within 10 days by calling (405) 522-5050 or by visiting an Oklahoma Department of Human Services office.
An Oklahoma Human Services Mobile Unit will be at the Mannford High School from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday and noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday to answer any questions about SNAP or other programs.
If you need meals, the American Red Cross and Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief are feeding residents and emergency responders in communities impacted by the fires. Since Friday, they have served 1,220 meals.
Three shelters remain open:
- First Methodist Church of Mannford, 100 E Greenwood Ave, Mannford
- Luther Community Center, 18120 Hog Back Road, Luther
- Payne County Fairgrounds, 4518 Expo Circle East, Stillwater
For those wishing to make a donation, cash is best. Financial contributions are the fastest, most flexible and most effective method of donating to support recognized disaster relief organizations on the ground.
