OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Oklahoma remains under high fire danger on Monday after a weekend of deadly wildfires devastated communities across the state. The fire threat continues across the Plains, with millions of Americans under alerts for critical fire weather conditions.
More than 40 million people from Texas to South Dakota are under red flag warnings due to the combination of high winds, low humidity, and dry fuels, creating conditions for rapid fire spread.
Parts of Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas face a critical fire risk, with gusts up to 45 mph and very low humidity levels expected.
Oklahoma Wildfires Leave Trail of Destruction
The wildfires that ignited Friday caused widespread destruction, including 75 structures lost in the Stillwater area alone, according to Fire Chief Terry Essary.
“The wind was blowing so hard,” Essary told media. “It was a very helpless feeling, but you just keep at it. You do what you can, you save what you can, and you keep moving on to the next and helping as many people as possible.”
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management confirmed that a state of emergency remains in effect for 12 counties due to ongoing fire risks.
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Fire Threat Continues Into Tuesday
The fire risk will intensify on Tuesday, affecting Oklahoma, the Texas Panhandle, and southeastern New Mexico.
- Winds could gust between 50 to 75 mph
- Humidity levels will remain critically low
- Dry fuels will contribute to fast-spreading fires
Fires that ignite under these conditions will be extremely difficult to control, prompting officials to urge residents to remain on high alert.
On Monday afternoon, a “dangerous” wildfire erupted in southeast Guthrie, Oklahoma, prompting the U.S. National Weather Service in Norman to issue an urgent evacuation order for the area.
Death Toll Rises as Damage Spreads
The Oklahoma wildfires have already claimed four lives and left over 140 people injured, officials reported.
More than 130 wildfires have been recorded across 44 counties, damaging over 400 homes and structures, including Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s ranch near Luther.
Governor Stitt confirmed that his farmhouse suffered a total loss in Friday’s fires.
“We’ll be rebuilding with all of Oklahoma,” Stitt said in a video message posted on social media over the weekend.
As the fire threat continues, emergency responders remain on high alert, urging residents to stay informed, prepare for evacuations, and take fire precautions seriously.
