Oklahoma’s fire dangers remained high on Wednesday following devastating wildfires that torched 155,000 acres of land in the Panhandle and the Northwest part of the state. The fires burned in Woodward, Texas and Beaver counties and raced into southwest Kansas where the town of Ashland was evacuated.
The Oklahoma Mesonet indicated things won’t get much better as humidity levels are falling in the northwest areas of Oklahoma. Winds that gusted into the 50 and 60 mph category on Tuesday weakened slightly on Wednesday.
KOCO TV meteorologist Jonathan Conder expects a fed flag warning to be issued for Thursday.
Winds were clocked at more than 70 mph as the fires raced across the state line and into neighboring Kansas counties. Evacuations were reported in the towns of Ashland and Englewood, both in Clark County, Kansas, reported the Hutchinson News.
Four firefighters in Oklahoma were reported injured in Tuesday’s fires and numerous buildings were destroyed in Woodward, Texas and Beaver counties. Among the losses were two USDA facilities.
According to the Woodward News, 2,200 acres were burned in Woodward County.
The fires were so devastating that they prompted an emergency declaration on Wednesday from Gov. Kevin Stitt.
Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, issued the following statement on the ongoing wildfires that have burned more than 155,000 acres in Northwest Oklahoma and the Panhandle.
“I’m at a loss for words at the size and scale of the wildfires sweeping across Woodward, Texas and Beaver counties. My heart goes out to my constituents who have suffered property damage and to those who have had to leave their homes behind. I also know there are many families in the area who are anxiously waiting to see what happens next as firefighters work tirelessly to get these wildfires contained.
“I’m grateful to all the firefighters, emergency management personnel, law enforcement officers and first responders working on the front lines. My family and I will keep these brave first responders in our prayers as they risk their lives to keep local residents safe.
“I’ve been in constant contact with local emergency officials and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management as they work together to keep Oklahomans safe. I appreciate Governor Stitt’s swift action in declaring a State of Emergency for Beaver, Texas and Woodward counties, which will help with emergency response and recovery efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has also approved requests for Fire Management Assistance Grants for the Stevens Fire in Texas County, the Ranger Road Fire in Beaver County and the 43 Fire in Woodward County.
“The residents of Northwest Oklahoma and the Panhandle are resilient. We have faced wildfires before, and once this is all said and done, we will join together to recover and rebuild. As high winds make conditions unpredictable, I urge everyone to remain cautious and stay informed. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.”
House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement on the wildfires affecting thousands of acres in Northwest Oklahoma and the Panhandle.
“Oklahomans in the Northwest are facing the unimaginable as wildfires devastate thousands of acres, affecting several families and homes,” said Leader Munson. “I am grateful to our brave first responders who have and continue to put their lives on the line to work to mitigate damages to these communities. As help is being administered, I urge Oklahomans to take advantage of any resources they need and to pay attention to evacuation notices. Oklahomans are strong, and we will get through this. We must prioritize safety for our most vulnerable communities and ensure help is provided to those who need it.”