Enid, Okla. — Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt addressed the state’s residents Saturday morning, providing updates on the devastating wildfires that have been sweeping through much of the state since Friday. In response to the widespread damage caused by high winds and wildfires, Governor Stitt signed Executive Order 2025-06, declaring a State of Emergency in several counties, including Cleveland, Creek, Dewey, Grady, Lincoln, Logan, Oklahoma, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie, Roger Mills, and Stephens.
The emergency declaration is aimed at expediting relief efforts. It temporarily suspends size and weight permit requirements for oversized vehicles that are transporting materials and supplies for emergency relief and power restoration. Stitt emphasized the necessity of swift action, stating that the severe wildfires and hurricane-force winds, which began on Friday, March 14, had already caused significant damage to power lines and infrastructure.
According to Governor Stitt, more than 130 fires have burned across 44 counties, and hurricane-force winds have caused severe structural damage. These winds were strong enough to overturn semi-trucks and spread the fires rapidly throughout the state. As of Saturday, approximately 170,000 acres had burned, with the Oklahoma Forestry Service still working to confirm exact numbers.
In addition to the widespread destruction of land, Stitt reported that nearly 300 homes and structures were lost in the fires, with over 200 homes confirmed as destroyed by Saturday morning. Oklahoma Emergency Management (OEM) Director Annie Mack Vest updated the public with the latest information, stating that the fires are still burning and search and rescue teams are on the ground, continuing to assess the situation.
The State of Oklahoma has already sought federal assistance for firefighting efforts. The state received approval for eight fire management assistance grants from FEMA, which will reimburse local and state governments as well as fire departments for their response costs. In the coming week, FEMA and the Small Business Administration are expected to assess the full scope of the damage.
With over 80,000 Oklahomans left without power on Friday, the situation is still dire. By Saturday morning, around 14,000 customers remained without electricity. Power restoration efforts continue with crews arriving from neighboring states, including Louisiana and Arkansas, to assist in firefighting and recovery efforts.
The state is also coordinating with the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives and nonprofit organizations to provide resources and assistance to those affected by the fires. Plans are in place to distribute supplies to Mannford and other areas hit hardest by the disaster.
As wildfires continue to smolder, the full extent of the destruction remains unknown, and recovery efforts are expected to continue for weeks.
