Governor Stitt Declares State of Emergency for 12 Oklahoma Counties Following Devastating Wildfires

The Penny News 506

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed Executive Order 2025-26 on Saturday morning, declaring a State of Emergency for twelve Oklahoma counties in response to the destructive wildfires that swept across the state.

The counties included in the emergency declaration include Roger Mills and Dewey.

According to the executive order, "Due to impacts from dangerous wildfires and straight-line winds beginning Friday, March 14, and continuing, including damage to power lines and infrastructure, it is necessary to assist and expedite all efforts of relief."

The emergency order will remain in effect for 30 days, allowing for expedited aid and temporarily suspending size and weight restrictions on oversized vehicle permits to facilitate emergency response efforts.

Severe Wind and Power Outages

Tens of thousands of Oklahomans were left without power as extreme winds downed power lines and infrastructure across multiple counties. Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) reported that at its peak on Friday night, 25,663 customers were without power. By Saturday, PSO announced that 95% of its affected customers had power restored. OG&E and rural electric providers also reported significant outages due to the high winds.

The Oklahoma Emergency Management Office confirmed that over 130 fires were reported across 44 counties, including Beckham, Blaine, Dewey, and Roger Mills. The fires, fueled by high winds and dry conditions, caused widespread destruction, including damage to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure.

Ongoing Firefighting Efforts

As of Sunday, the Oklahoma Forestry Services provided an update on several large wildfires still burning in the western part of the state:

840 Road Fire (Roger Mills/Dewey County) – 27,025 acres burned, 20% contained.

Camargo Fire (Dewey County) – 5,725 acres burned, 20% contained.

1980 Road Fire (Beckham County) – 2,000 acres burned, 40% contained.

First responders and emergency management teams continue battling the fires while assessing damage and assisting affected residents. With the State of Emergency in place, state and local officials are coordinating resources to support firefighting efforts and aid communities impacted by the disaster.


 
 

More News

News
The Penny News 1857
News | November 11, 2026
The City of Cordell continues working with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) following the detection of E. coli bacteria in the city's drinking water system.
Sports
The Penny News 1856
Sports | November 11, 2026
High School Hoops, Blakely Ball Commits to OSU, CFP Rankings, & Thunder in Portland
Podcasts
The Penny News 1855
Podcasts | November 11, 2026
November 11, 2026 - General Larry Haub and Master Sargent Donnie Walker talk with Jimmy Clark about Desert Storm.
News
The Penny News 1852
News | November 11, 2026
A Weatherford man faces six criminal charges after allegedly firing a handgun into an occupied mobile home while intoxicated, putting two children at risk.
Podcasts
The Penny News 1854
Podcasts | November 11, 2026
The Exploring Energy Radio Show with Shawn Wilson airs every weekday at 8:00 AM on KECO 96.5 FM. Recorded November 11, 2026.
Podcasts
The Penny News 1853
Podcasts | November 11, 2026
The Early Morning Show with Nathan and Landry Brewer airs every weekday at 7:00 AM on KECO 96.5 FM. Recorded November 11, 2026.

 
KECO 96.5 FM's Santa's Christmas Heroes
KECO SANTAS HEROES

 

 

© Copyright 2025, Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.