MVSKOKE RESERVATION – Four deaths have been confirmed and over 140 are injured after wildfires burned across the state this past weekend. March 14 storm systems produced dangerously high winds that clocked in at 60-80 miles per hour. This made conditions for wildfire spread dangerous. Muscogee (Creek) Nation Emergency Management and Lighthorse Police quickly responded and helped with evacuation and rescue efforts across the Mvskoke Reservation. Lighthorse officers set up barricades to shut down highways leading to the affected areas. MCN Transit was also present to transport those affected by the wildfires.
Counties within the reservation that were affected by wildfires include Creek, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, McIntosh, Hughes and Tulsa County. Creek and Okfuskee counties took the brunt of the damage with property damage. According to MCN Emergency Management Director Bobby Howard, an estimated total of 25,000 acres were burned off within the Nation.
On March 15 Governor Kevin Stitt signed a State of Emergency declaration for the counties affected by wildfires. The order will “assist and expedite all efforts of relief” for those affected. It temporarily suspends requirements for size and weight permits of oversized vehicles transporting materials and supplies used for emergency relief and power restoration. The executive order will be in effect for 30 days.
The State of Oklahoma has also been approved for 13 Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These grants will help cover the costs associated with fire response.
The American Red Cross is currently supporting shelters in Luther, Mannford, Shawnee and Stillwater. According to Howard, the organization has provided thousands of meals to those affected by the fires. The Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief will be setting up feeding kitchens in partnership with the American Red Cross for impacted residents in Logan, Pawnee and Payne counties.
Howard noted that the state is still under “Extreme Danger Conditions” for the next two days with sustained 20-30 mile per hour winds. Although the winds are not as strong as they were on March 14, the potential for wildfires is still present.
“Hot spots could flare back up. Everyone is being advised to be very diligent and careful out there.” Howard said.
MCN Emergency Management is currently coordinating a resource center with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management for those impacted in Mannford. The center will move to either Logan or Payne county for residents in Stillwater and Pawnee. According to Howard, although these areas are outside of the nation, there are still citizens in need who live there.
Mvskoke citizens and Oklahoma residents are still advised to take extreme caution during extreme fire danger conditions. If smoke or an unattended fire is spotted, call 911. Keep monitoring conditions on local weather forecasts. Keep vehicles off dry grass and safely dispose of cigarettes. Avoid using open fire grills and stoves outdoors.
For those that are in need of a shelter, the following shelters are still available to those impacted by wildfires.
Wildfire Shelters in Oklahoma:
First Methodist Church of Mannford | 100 E Greenwood Ave, Mannford.
Grand Casino, Grand Eagle Room | 777 Grand Casino Boulevard, Shawnee.
Luther Community Center | 18120 Hog Back Road, Luther.
Payne County Fairgrounds | 4518 Expo Circle East, Stillwater.
