DALLAS — As residents of Oklahoma surveyed the damage from recent wildfires, officials in both Oklahoma and Texas raised alarms about the continued risk of fire in the upcoming week.
Oklahoma Forestry Services spokesperson Keith Merckx warned of a return to critical fire conditions. Over the weekend, nearly 300 homes and structures were either damaged or destroyed due to the fierce fires, which numbered more than 130 across the state. Tragically, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt reported that at least two lives were lost as a result of this severe weather.
In Stillwater, a city about 65 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, Jeremy Cook returned home on Saturday only to find his house reduced to ashes. He shared that when his family evacuated the area, they salvaged what they could—photos, pets, books, and special belongings. Now, faced with such loss, he expressed a mix of emotions, saying he felt like he was “going back and forth between laughing and crying.”
Local fire chief Terry Essary noted that about 50 homes were affected in Stillwater alone. The rapidly spreading fires were made worse by high winds and low humidity, which overwhelmed firefighting crews. “Nobody has enough resources to fight fires when the wind is blowing 70 mph,” Essary stated.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management confirmed the fatalities, including one person who died in Garfield County due to a vehicle accident caused by dust or smoke, and another in Lincoln County. Deborah Ferguson shared the heartbreaking story of her husband, Allen, who lost his life while fighting the flames alongside their son. Tragically, their son was also injured and is currently hospitalized.
In Texas, fire officials also reported dangerous conditions with strong winds, dry weather, and unseasonably high temperatures creating the perfect backdrop for wildfires. While a large fire near Fredericksburg consumed around 14 square miles, there was hope as it became 40% contained over the weekend.
The high winds not only fueled the fires but also caused severe disruptions, including overturned tractor-trailers. In the Texas Panhandle, three lives were lost in car accidents due to a dust storm linked to these winds.
Governor Stitt, after assessing the damage in both Stillwater and Mannford, reflected on the tragedy and resilience of Oklahomans. He acknowledged the severity of the wildfires and expressed his commitment to rebuild alongside those affected. “You never think it’s going to happen to your place, and these wildfires just come out of nowhere and can really take over,” he remarked in a video shared online.
