Wildfires that have spread across western Oklahoma due to high winds have prompted authorities to issue evacuation orders.
One of the many wildfires that broke out started southwest of WoodwardOklahoma, and high winds up to nearly 60 mph caused the fire to quickly spread into residential areas.
High winds prevented firefighting aircraft from assisting in extinguishing the fire, making it difficult for firefighters to slow the spread of the fire.
Woodward’s emergency management director, Matt Lehenbauerin a statement, shared: “Evacuation orders cover neighborhoods south of US Highway 412 and west of 13th Street. Nursing homes in that area were also evacuated.”
WATCH:
FIRE OUTBREAK in Woodward, Oklahoma, where this fire is RAPIDLY spreading into the city.
A heartbreaking and devastating situation develops. Notify friends and family immediately.@MaxArcherWX @RadarOmega pic.twitter.com/k09pIkimHP
— Maximum Speed (@MaxVelocityWX) February 17, 2026
INCREDIBLE footage of the 43 fire rapidly spreading northeast toward 22nd Street in Woodward, Oklahoma!
If you live in Woodward, you need to evacuate NOW!@NWSNorman @SevereStudios pic.twitter.com/C1ugEQwKh5
— Max Archer (@MaxArcherWX) February 17, 2026
Another wildfire broke out Beaver CountyOklahoma, burned more than 15,000 acres and has since begun to push into Kansas.
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HUGE FLAMES are currently targeting livestock north of Hooker, Oklahoma. This is terrible… @ryanhallyall @WxWiseApp pic.twitter.com/IOG9I0kDG5
— Jaden Pappenheim (@PappenheimWx) February 17, 2026
Per Fox again:
A new wildfire has broken out near Woodward, Oklahoma, and is spreading rapidly, prompting officials to issue mandatory evacuation orders for parts of the city.
Additionally, several Kansas cities, including Englewood, Herndon and Ashland, were also evacuated as another fire approached the Kansas state line.
According to Oklahoma Forestry Services, the Ranger Road Fire is about 15,000 acres and is spreading quickly. Local fire departments, county resources and multiple government agencies are assisting as the wildfire crosses Kansas.
“Aviation resources were requested. However, wind speeds and gust distribution prevented aviation operations over the fire at the time,” Oklahoma Foresty Services said.
A farmer in Tyrone, Oklahoma, appeared to be trying to save his cattle, which were in the path of one of the many wildfires raging across the state.
WATCH:
Farmers are doing everything they can to save their livestock from the Stevens Fire south of Tyrone, OK. Heartbreaking 💔 pic.twitter.com/ED3jZHJ3S5
— Jaden Pappenheim (@PappenheimWx) February 17, 2026
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