Wildfires burn across Western Oklahoma, high fire danger expected into the weekend

Logan County Wildfire(KPOKH-Brian Allen)

OKLAHOMA (KOKH) — Several wildfires have burned across Western Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle over the past two days.

The Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) confirmed there are structure and livestock losses in northwest Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health also reported one person was hurt because of the fires, and the State Emergency Operations Center said it received 29 fire reports across 17 counties.

Tuesday night, OFS said the Slapout Fire in southwest Beaver County continued to burn south after the cold front moved through the state, bringing strong winds.

The Pottawatomie County Fire Task Force was deployed to Gage in Ellis County Wednesday at 7 a.m. to help relieve some crews who were working on large fires near Gage and Shattuck.

The task force sent 6 brush trucks, 1 tanker, 1 task force leader, and two personnel for drone support and logistics.

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office reported Tuesday night that Gage and Shattuck residents were allowed to return home after evacuation orders were issued earlier that afternoon.

Firefighters in Logan County also posted an update Wednesday morning on their efforts to battle a large grassfire.

The Mulhall Volunteer Fire Department thanked neighboring departments for their quick response and community members who reached out offering to bring water.

The department said during fire season, firefighters need water, snacks, and Gatorade.

Even though evacuation orders were lifted in some counties, The National Weather Service (NWS) of Norman warned Oklahomans that fire weather season is just getting started.

The NWS said for the upcoming weekend, warm temperatures and dry conditions will return with Western Oklahoma expected to be at a critical level for fire danger.

OFS posted a video on Facebook Wednesday morning echoing the NWS sentiment, telling Oklahomans that the fire danger would continue to climb into the weekend, especially in Western Oklahoma.

OFS showed a video of the Sand Creek Fire that officials have been battling for the past two days.

The OFS Fire Situation Report showed 7 fires burned 115,635 acres as of Wednesday morning.

The Sand Creek Fire in Harper County burned 2,385 acres and is 75% contained.

The Catesby Fire in Ellis County scorched 30,000 acres and is 0% contained, and the Slapout Fire in Beaver County has burned 76,800 Acres and is also 0% contained.

OFS also provided an update on the E1980 Rd fire in Choctaw County, which has reportedly burned 5,535 acres and is 40% contained.