Roll, OK – Firefighters across western Oklahoma continue to battle extremely dry conditions after a fast-moving wildfire in Roger Mills County threatened at least one home Monday, while a much larger fire remains active in Caddo County.
Roger Mills County Emergency Management said the latest fire was discovered shortly after 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14, in the same general area where lightning-caused fires had burned over the weekend.
The fire started south of State Highway 47 between county roads N1880 and N1890. Crawford, Strong City and U.S. Forest Service crews made the initial attack before all Roger Mills County fire departments were dispatched, along with county graders and tankers.
Oklahoma Forestry Services was requested, along with task forces from Dewey, Beckham, Ellis and Woodward counties.
By mid-afternoon, the fire had become dangerous enough that the National Weather Service issued a Fire Warning at the request of Oklahoma Forestry Services and Roger Mills County Emergency Management. At 3:31 p.m., the fire was reported about five miles east of Roll and moving north at approximately two miles per hour. Officials warned residents along Highway 47 to be prepared to evacuate.
According to Roger Mills County Emergency Management, an air tanker was diverted to the north side of Highway 47 as the fire crossed the highway. A shift in the wind later pushed the fire toward a residence near N1890.
Ground crews were able to cut a fire guard and protect the home, stopping the fire's progress near N1890. Additional air drops, fire breaks, backburning and crews extinguishing hot spots eventually contained the fire. All responding task forces were released by about 10 p.m.
The response included Oklahoma Forestry Services, the U.S. Forest Service, local fire departments and task forces from surrounding counties. Roger Mills County Emergency Management also thanked Teel Farms Tanker, Championship Pro Rodeo, the Crawford Fire Department women's auxiliary, Harvey and Lafaye Hobine, First Baptist Church of Cheyenne and MawMaw's Kitchen for providing assistance, food and drinks to firefighters.
Caddo County Fire Remains Active
Meanwhile, firefighters are continuing to battle the Gracemont Fire between Binger and Cogar in Caddo County.
The fire began Sunday afternoon and appeared to settle overnight before flaring up again Monday afternoon. The latest reports Tuesday say approximately 3,000 acres have burned and the fire remains at zero percent containment.
Crews have been working to keep the fire from spreading, with both ground crews and aircraft involved. Several structures have been damaged, although a complete damage assessment has not been released. Some residents were evacuated during the fire, but officials reported Monday that roughly 80 percent had been allowed to return home.
The Town of Binger has also asked residents to conserve water because firefighters are using the municipal supply to refill trucks.
Heat Continues, But Rain Chances Improve
There is some hope for relief, but western Oklahoma will have to endure several more hot days first.
The National Weather Service expects near-record heat and elevated fire danger Tuesday, followed by continued above-normal temperatures Wednesday through Friday. Highs around western Oklahoma will remain in the upper 90s, with dry vegetation continuing to make new fires difficult to control.
Rain chances begin improving this weekend as a stronger cold front approaches. The Roger Mills County forecast includes a 40 percent chance of showers Saturday afternoon, with better chances developing Saturday night. The National Weather Service says the weekend front could bring more widespread rainfall along with noticeably cooler temperatures.
Copyright 2026 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
.jpg)
