STILLWATER, Okla. — A deadly wildfire outbreak ravaged several communities last Friday, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. Among the hardest-hit areas was Lake Carl Blackwell, where flames tore through campsites and even destroyed boat docks.
In the aftermath, survivors were left sifting through the charred remains of their properties, searching for any remnants of what used to be. For many, the fire was not only a physical loss but also an emotional blow.
Steve Sibley, a longtime camper at Lake Carl Blackwell, reflected on the destruction of his family’s trailer, a space that had been part of their lives since 2018. “We had a 30-foot trailer out here,” Sibley explained, his voice heavy with emotion. “We’ve had it since about 2018.”
The campsite had served as a sanctuary for Sibley and his family, a place where they could escape the daily grind and create lasting memories. “My wife enjoyed fishing out here, and I mainly just kind of took care of the yard and maintenance things,” he said. “But yeah, it was a good time to be coming out and camping.”
For Sibley, the campground had deeper personal significance. He shared that his wife, who works in healthcare, had provided hospice care for his brother during his final years, and the family often brought him to Lake Carl Blackwell to fish. “It’s pretty cool for him to spend that time out here, and just to spend time with him,” Sibley said.
Though the fire devastated their property, Sibley revealed that the couple had been preparing to relocate their trailer before disaster struck. “We had kind of planned on coming out here and clearing it out,” he said. “We had someone that was in line to get this lot, and we were just ready to move the trailer to our property in Perkins.”
As the cleanup begins, help is pouring in from near and far. Nikita Higbee and Alexis Rejman, who traveled from Enid to assist, expressed their shock at the extent of the damage. “We got down here and it was definitely worse than we expected,” said Higbee. “It was kind of emotional to come down here because it’s way different than seeing it on the news. Coming down here in person, you actually see the devastation,” Rejman added.
Though the recovery process is just beginning, Sibley remains determined to salvage whatever he can. “My wife hasn’t been out here yet, so she’s probably going to be the one that’s a little bit more emotional about it,” he said. “I just want to pick through and grab a couple of things that I can take and start this process of getting the lot cleared.”
For the affected residents of Stillwater, community support has already started to take shape. The Stillwater Strong Relief initiative has been organized to provide essential supplies, food, and mental health support. The relief effort will also assist those in need with recovery services and guidance on city services.
The Stillwater Strong Relief event will take place at the Stillwater Armory, located at 315 E 9th Street, on Wednesday, March 19, from 4 to 6 p.m., and Saturday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those in need of assistance or wishing to donate are encouraged to reach out via email at stillwaterstrongrelief@gmail.com.
As the community begins to rebuild, the resilience and unity of Stillwater’s residents shine through, offering a glimmer of hope in the face of tragedy.
