The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management reported at least 33 fires in the panhandle.
The National Weather Service has issued a warning of fire danger across Oklahoma and parts of Kansas and Texas as dry, windy conditions continue. Over 300,000 acres have burned in the Oklahoma panhandle this week and several communities have been forced to evacuate. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency in three counties. The Oklahoma Forestry Service reported that the massive fire has covered 442 square miles.
Crews have worked to contain multiple fires in the northwestern part of Oklahoma. Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders sent crews from her state to assist in the wildfire suppression efforts in Oklahoma.
Wildfires have also scorched tens of thousands of acres in the Texas Panhandle. Multiple roads have been closed and people have been evacuated in certain communities.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned residents in the affected areas to be prepared to evacuate. The service stated, “Critical fire weather conditions remain a concern [Thursday] and Friday (Feb. 20) across the Southern Plains due to the combination of dry vegetation, low relative humidity, and gusty winds.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For NWS officials as they issue severe weather warnings and alerts.
- For state governors as they declare emergencies and deploy first responders.
- For the safety of the firefighting crews and residents of the impacted states and communities.
Sources: MSN, The Oklahoman, ABC KATV, National Weather Service, USA Today
