High fire danger continues after wildfires swept across western Oklahoma, southwest Kansas and the Texas Panhandle on Tuesday forcing numerous evacuations. High wind gusts and low humidity Thursday will cause more threats for fire danger. Thursday morning, red-flag warnings were issued once again for the same region, including most of Oklahoma; Southern Kansas and Western North Texas.
The message to those in the red flag warning areas: do not burn, and if you see smoke, report it.
With containment efforts underway and the situation still unfolding, here is the current status of the fires challenging Plains ranchers:
Oklahoma
Reports say more than 300,000 acres have burned across Oklahoma since Tuesday.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed Executive Order 2026-09 declaring a State of Emergency in Beaver, Texas and Woodward counties following a series of destructive wildfires across northwest Oklahoma.
“The Woodward fires are about 20% contained, and we were very fortunate to keep most neighborhoods safe. A few homes were lost, and we’re keeping four injured firefighters in our prayers as they recover after working tirelessly through the night,” Governor Stitt reports on Wednesday. “I’m deeply grateful for the incredible efforts of our firefighters and forestry crews on the ground. In Beaver County, the town of Tyrone was evacuated earlier as a precaution. As we head into today and tomorrow, conditions remain dangerous. We need every Oklahoman to stay alert and continue taking fire warnings seriously.”
The Stevens Fire, that started east of Hooker, Okla., had burned an estimated 12,428 acres as of Thursday morning and is 50% contained.
The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation has established a Fire Relief Fund to support cattle producers impacted by the recent wildfires in Northwest Oklahoma. Read the full press release and donate now at okcattlemen.org.
Kansas
According to the Kansas Forest Service, fires across Kansas remained active overnight with firefighters working through the night and are making steady progress on many incidents today.
In coordination with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management and the Office of the State Fire Marshal, additional resources from across the state have deployed and are supporting local responders. With continued elevated fire weather statewide, more firefighters are available and strategically staged for rapid response.
Winds have decreased enough to allow aviation resources to assist where needed. Kansas is coordinating aircraft with Oklahoma Forestry Services on the Ranger Road Fire.
“At this time, all evacuation notices have been rescinded,” the Kansas Forest Service reports. “Evacuations, if needed, will be coordinated through local emergency management agencies. Please make sure you are signed up for your county’s emergency alert text notifications so you can receive timely updates.”
Updates as of 6 a.m. Thursday:
Stevens Fire (Seward Co. Fire): Burned from Texas County, Okla, into Seward County, KS. Located southwest of Liberal. The fire is 50% contained and has burned 12,428 acres.
Andrew Lane Fire (Seward Co. Fire #2): Located southeast of Liberal and remains active. Aviation resources are assisting firefighters on the ground. The Johnson County Task Force and Kansas Forest Service DFMO Williams are coordinating closely with local departments.
Tennis Fire (Garden City Fire): Good progress continues. Kansas Forest Service DFMO Brad Ilonummi is transitioning to assist with other fires in the area. A state task force remains integrated with local firefighters.
Ranger Road Fire (Started in Beaver Co., Okla.): Remains active. Coordination continues between Oklahoma and Kansas state resources.
The Ranger Road Fire originated in Beaver County in the Oklahoma Panhandle spread north into southern Kansas, impacting areas in Clark and Meade counties. The fire crossed the Oklahoma and Kansas state line, burned near the Cimarron River, and affected communities along Highways 64, 270 and 283. The blaze was moving east-northeast under strong wind conditions. As of 6 a.m. Thursday, the Ranger Road Fire has burned more than 283,283 acres and is 15% contained.
“Extremely high winds and dry ground and air produced conditions ideal for multiple fires to build and spread in several counties in southwest Kansas yesterday, with some still uncontained,” explains Scarlett Madinger, KLA vice president of communications. “While we continue to assess the needs of those in the hardest hit areas, we know producers have lost fence, livestock and feed resources. Donations of hay and fencing supplies are being accepted at various collection sites, as those are the most immediate needs. If people would like to donate, they can call the KLA office at (785) 273-5115 and we will help coordinate a drop-off.”
Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam joined Chip Flory on AgriTalk Wednesday and discussed the wildfire situation in Kansas and what recovery resources are available.
Texas
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the organization received nine requests for assistance on wildfires burning 18,522.9 acres on Tuesday. Wednesday was a quieter day in Texas with three requests burning 371 acres.
As of 9 a.m. on Thursday, there are four active — Jones 1507, 8 Ball, Lavendar and Canadian Bridge. The 8 Ball Fire in Armstrong County is 40% contained and has burned about 13,000 acres. The Lavendar fire in Oldham County is 20% contained and has burned about 12,000 acres.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller declared an Agricultural Emergency, rallying Texans to back the State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund and urging wildfire-hit producers and agribusinesses to seek financial aid. Across the Panhandle and West Texas, Texans are facing devastating losses due to wildfires.
“Texans always rise for neighbors in crisis,” Commissioner Miller says. “I’m calling on individuals, businesses, and groups statewide to fuel the STAR Fund to help sustain the backbone of our food, fiber and fuel supply.”
The STAR Fund, administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, is a private-donation-funded disaster relief program that provides recovery grants to eligible farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses at no cost to taxpayers to help repair or rebuild damaged agricultural infrastructure.
Ranchers needing hay can use TDA’s Hay Hotline, (877) 429-1998, a free service linking hay providers and those in need, including during emergencies, for donations.
TDA reminds Texans that mental health support is available 24/7 through the AgriStress Helpline, staffed by trained professionals familiar with rural challenges. Commissioner Miller stresses the importance of mental well-being in crises. If you or a loved one experiences a mental health crisis during this time, call 833-897-2474.
