Oklahomans are surveying the destruction left behind by wildfires that tore through the state, destroying or damaging more than 400 homes. Officials in both Oklahoma and Texas are warning of worsening fire conditions in the coming days, raising fears of new outbreaks.
“We’re going to be back into a critical area,” Oklahoma Forestry Services spokesperson Keith Merckx said. High winds and dry conditions are expected to create dangerous fire risks throughout the region.
Wildfires erupted Friday, spreading rapidly due to extreme winds and low humidity. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management confirmed that at least four people had died as a result of the severe weather. Emergency crews are still searching affected areas, and the number of casualties could rise.
Stillwater, a city of about 50,000 residents northeast of Oklahoma City, was one of the hardest-hit areas. Dozens of families returned over the weekend to find their homes reduced to ashes. Many are now left without shelter, scrambling to find temporary housing.
Jeremy Cook was among those who lost everything. He and his family evacuated Friday, packing three cars with essential belongings, including photographs, pets, books, and paintings. When he returned the next morning, only the foundation of his house remained.
“I keep going back and forth between laughing and crying,” Cook said. The emotional toll of losing his home has left him struggling to process the reality of starting over.
Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce confirmed that at least 74 homes in and around the city were completely destroyed. The fires consumed entire neighborhoods, leaving streets lined with charred remains of houses, cars, and personal belongings.
Fire Chief Terry Essary said firefighters were quickly overwhelmed as multiple fires ignited across the state. “The high winds and low humidity made it nearly impossible to contain them,” Essary said. He added that some fires were moving so fast that residents had only minutes to evacuate.
Emergency responders are still assessing the full extent of the damage. Several counties have issued disaster declarations, allowing for federal and state assistance to help affected residents. Relief organizations are working to provide food, water, and temporary shelters for those who lost their homes.
The American Red Cross has set up emergency shelters in several locations across Oklahoma. Volunteers are distributing supplies, while crisis counselors are helping survivors cope with the trauma. Many residents have turned to social media to request assistance, with neighbors offering food and housing to those displaced.
Officials are warning that the danger is not over. Weather conditions over the next few days could create more fire outbreaks, putting additional communities at risk. The National Weather Service has issued a fire danger warning for large parts of Oklahoma and Texas, urging residents to stay alert.
Authorities are asking residents to take precautions, including avoiding any outdoor burning, clearing dry brush around their homes, and having an evacuation plan in place. Firefighters are on high alert, ready to respond to new flare-ups.
The state is also requesting additional firefighting resources from neighboring states. Aircraft have been deployed to drop water and fire retardants on hot spots, but strong winds are making it difficult to fully contain the fires.
Trump administration officials have pledged federal support, promising that recovery efforts will be expedited. State and local leaders are working on long-term plans to help affected families rebuild their homes and communities.
With the risk of new fires increasing, residents are being urged to remain cautious and prepare for possible evacuations. The full scale of the disaster is still unfolding, and the coming days will determine how much more damage these wildfires will cause.
