State of Emergency declared in Oklahoma as wildfires scorch over 72 770 ha (155 000 acres)
Multiple wildfires burning across Oklahoma have scorched over 62 720 ha (155 000 acres) as of February 18, 2026, prompting Governor Kevin Stitt to declare a State of Emergency in Beaver, Texas, and Woodward counties. The Ranger Road Fire alone burned approximately 58 700 ha (145 000 acres) across Oklahoma and southern Kansas, with 0% containment reported.
Wildfire in Beaver County on February 18, 2026. Image credit: Oklahoma Forestry Services
Multiple wildfires burning across Oklahoma have scorched more than 62 770 ha (155 000 acres) as of February 18, prompting Governor Kevin Stitt to declare a State of Emergency in Beaver, Texas, and Woodward counties.
“The Woodward fires are about 20% contained, and we were very fortunate to keep most neighborhoods safe. A few homes were lost, and four firefighters were injured as they worked through the night,” Governor Stitt said.
“In Beaver County, the town of Tyrone was evacuated earlier as a precaution. Conditions remain dangerous, and residents are urged to stay alert and continue taking fire warnings seriously.”
According to Oklahoma Forestry Services, major active fires include the Ranger Road Fire in Beaver County, which has burned more than 58 680 ha (145 000 acres) across Oklahoma and Kansas in just one day.
The Stevens Fire in Texas County has burned 2 023 ha (5 000 acres), the Side Road Fire in Texas County 1 335 ha (3 300 acres), and the 43 Road Fire in Woodward County 809 ha (2 000 acres).
Drone video captured multiple homes and buildings burning in Tyrone, Oklahoma, on Tuesday as wildfires tore through the Oklahoma Panhandle. pic.twitter.com/VNP0e9dSII
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) February 18, 2026
The Ranger Road Fire ignited in Beaver County in the Oklahoma Panhandle on February 17 and expanded northward into southern Kansas.
As of February 18, the fire had burned approximately 58 700 ha (145 000 acres) across parts of Oklahoma and Kansas, with 0% containment reported by state forestry officials. At least 4 firefighters were injured.
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for the Kansas communities of Ashland and Englewood in Clark County as the fire advanced toward populated areas. Earlier evacuation notices were also issued in parts of Beaver County, Oklahoma.
In Texas County, evacuation orders were issued due to the Stevens Fire, which stands at 25% containment as of February 18.
Meanwhile, a seven-vehicle accident on US 54 caused the Side Road Fire, which is also at 25% containment. Texas County reported that 5 structures were destroyed due to the fires.
Three structures were destroyed in the 43 Road Fire in Woodward County, where the fire stands at 20% containment.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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