Oklahoma Battles Widespread Wildfire Outbreak with Over 130 Fires Reported

A massive wildfire outbreak has swept across Oklahoma, with authorities reporting more than 130 wildfires affecting 44 counties since Friday. Many blazes remain active Saturday morning as emergency responders continue fighting flames amid challenging conditions.

The hardest-hit areas include Mannford, Stillwater, Guthrie, Leedey, Norman, Oklahoma City, and Little Axe, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency for Payne County and Stillwater. Hundreds of residents have been forced to evacuate as flames rapidly spread through these communities.

In Stillwater, emergency management has established an evacuation zone from Sixth to 44th streets and South Range to Sangra roads as of Saturday morning. Multiple evacuation shelters have opened across the state to accommodate displaced residents, with the Fairgrounds Expo Center serving those affected in Payne County.

The destructive combination of wildfires and high winds caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, structures, and vehicles throughout the state. Some buildings were completely destroyed by fire, while others suffered severe roof damage. Powerful wind gusts exceeding 70 mph toppled numerous trees, vehicles, and power lines.

At least one Little Axe firefighter was hospitalized while battling the flames but is expected to recover. A complete assessment of injuries and property damage remains ongoing.

The weather event also triggered widespread power outages across Oklahoma. As of Saturday morning, more than 15,000 customers remain without electricity according to PowerOutage.US, with OG&E's System Watch reporting over 12,000 affected customers. At the peak of the crisis, approximately 80,000 Oklahoma customers lost power.

Governor Kevin Stitt visited the emergency operations center Friday and announced plans to survey the hardest-hit areas on Saturday. "Sarah and I are heartbroken for the families and businesses who've suffered loss today," Stitt posted on social media.

Emergency management officials have established over 30 mass care locations throughout the state for evacuees, including community centers, churches, schools, and fairgrounds.