Oklahoma emergency managers meet in Oklahoma City as wildfire response expands across northwest counties
Conference convenes as state operations escalate
Emergency managers from across Oklahoma gathered in Oklahoma City this week for the annual Oklahoma Emergency Management Association conference as multiple large wildfires burned in the state’s northwest and Panhandle. The meeting, scheduled for Feb. 17–18 with additional training days Feb. 19–20, brought together county, municipal, tribal and state emergency management leaders for coordination and professional training while fire activity remained high.
The timing aligned with an active operational period for the State Emergency Operations Center, which was activated on Feb. 16 amid elevated fire danger, strong winds and ongoing wildfire response. State emergency management officials reported continued coordination with a broad set of agencies involved in fire suppression, transportation, public health, public safety, environmental response and mass care.
Wildfires and evacuations in Beaver, Texas and Woodward counties
State updates identified several major fires: the Ranger Road Fire in Beaver County; the Stevens Fire and Side Road Fire in Texas County; and the 43 Fire in Woodward County. Evacuations were ordered for the Gate community in Beaver County and for the town of Tyrone in Texas County during the initial response period. Evacuation orders affecting the Woodward area were later lifted.
Authorities reported structural losses across the impacted counties, including outbuildings in Beaver County, five structures in Texas County and three structures in Woodward County, including facilities associated with a U.S. Department of Agriculture site. The state also confirmed injuries to four firefighters in Beaver County, including three hurt when a fire truck overturned.
Federal and interstate resources activated
Oklahoma secured three Fire Management Assistance Grants to support response costs tied to the Stevens Fire, the Ranger Road Fire and the 43 Fire. The program can reimburse eligible firefighting expenses for state, local and tribal entities, including equipment, supplies, labor, travel and certain repair costs linked to suppression activities.
At the regional level, the South Central Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact was activated as forecasts pointed to extreme fire behavior potential and conditions that could outpace local capacity, allowing for faster cross-state mobilization of forestry resources if requested.
State of Emergency expanded as conditions evolved
Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Executive Order 2026-09 on Feb. 18 declaring a State of Emergency for Beaver, Texas and Woodward counties. On Feb. 19, the order was amended to add Harper County as wildfire impacts and strong winds continued. The order is set to remain in effect for 30 days, with the state indicating additional counties could be added if warranted.
Public reporting, sheltering, and assistance
Officials urged residents affected by fire to report property damage through the state’s online system to support situational awareness and recovery planning. Evacuation shelters were opened in Woodward and Mooreland, and disaster relief groups provided food for evacuees and responders. For non-emergency needs, the state continued to direct residents to 2-1-1, while emphasizing that 9-1-1 should be used only for emergencies.
Public safety officials continued to emphasize rapid reporting of smoke or flames to emergency services as fire weather conditions persisted across parts of the state.
- Conference dates: Feb. 17–18 (conference) and Feb. 19–20 (training days) in Oklahoma City.
- State Emergency Operations Center activation: Feb. 16, amid high winds and elevated fire danger.
- State of Emergency: issued Feb. 18 for Beaver, Texas and Woodward counties; expanded Feb. 19 to include Harper County.