Disastrous Wind and Fierce Fires
A Community Working Together
March 19, 2025 — In mid-March, Stillwater, Oklahoma area, experienced devastating wildfires that resulted in significant property loss and fatalities. Fueled by strong winds reaching up to 70 mph and low humidity, the fires tore through 170,000 acres, destroying at least 300 structures.
The rapid spread of the flames forced mandatory evacuations in several neighborhoods, leaving residents to flee under harrowing conditions. Tragically, four fatalities were reported statewide due to the fires and the extreme winds that drove them.
In response to the crisis, Mayor Will Joyce declared a state of emergency for Stillwater on March 14. Firefighting efforts were extensive and multifaceted:
• Firefighters worked diligently to extinguish hotspots and to manage flare-ups. Other dangers included open gas lines, downed power lines, unstable structures such as chimneys, and more. Despite the exhaustion from continuous operations, fire crews remained committed to ensuring the safety of the community.
• The Stillwater Fire Department issued evacuation updates on its Facebook page starting on March 14 and continuing throughout the firestorm to keep residents abreast of where the danger was and where to find safe shelter.
• FEMA approved Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) for multiple fires across Oklahoma, including the Stillwater Fire, providing crucial funding to support ongoing and future firefighting efforts.
• Local organizations, such as the United Way of Payne County, established relief funds to aid affected residents. Shelters were also set up at locations like the Payne County Fairgrounds to assist those displaced by the fires.
The collective efforts of firefighters, emergency management teams, and community organizations reflect the resilience and determination of Stillwater as it begins the long road to recovery and rebuilding.
