GUTHRIE, Okla. (KOKH) — Residents in Logan County, Oklahoma, are beginning to assess the immense damage left by devastating wildfires that erupted last week. The fires, which started on Friday, March 14, 2025, have led to both immediate evacuations and ongoing danger for many neighborhoods.
By Monday, March 17, approximately 25 residents sought refuge at the Logan County Fairgrounds, transformed into a shelter by the American Red Cross and local Emergency Management officials. "It’s been really busy," noted Karvin Vega, a Northern Oklahoma Community Disaster Programs Specialist with the Red Cross, emphasizing the continuing need for support as crews battled persistent hotspots throughout the area.
The complete devastation of some parts of Logan County was captured by Jim Gardner from Sky News 9, who reported that a neighborhood near Anderson and Industrial is almost a total loss. "A lot of these people lost everything," Gardner stated, highlighting the heartbreaking reality for many families.
Tucker Moore, a resident of Guthrie, described the terrifying moment when he first learned of the fire approaching his home. "I was just praying. I really was just praying, like, the whole time. It was super scary," said Moore. His home was fortunately spared, but his neighbor's house was completely destroyed.
Tiffany, another local homeowner, recalled how she and her family made a desperate escape when her husband smelled smoke. "He was like, 'I smell smoke.' Minutes later, he calls me and he goes, 'Everything is on fire and we have to go now,'" she shared, recounting the instinctive rush to protect their lives and their home.
In a frantic effort to safeguard their property, Tiffany's husband climbed onto the roof to wet it down, while they quickly released their chickens and a horse from their fenced area. Their home, miraculously, remained intact, albeit surrounded by destruction. Yet, they lost barns and other structures mere feet away. "When we were leaving, we had the clothes on our backs. Nothing else," Tiffany stated, illustrating the harrowing experience that unfolded in mere moments.
The community response has been notable, as residents rally to support those who have lost so much. Tiffany is currently housing animals belonging to her neighbors who are still figuring out their next steps in the aftermath of this disaster. She urges everyone to plan for emergencies, saying, "I never thought it would happen to us. It happened so quickly, and I don’t think I ever want to see the terror on their little faces again."
As of Monday evening, the Red Cross indicated that evacuation orders in Logan County had been lifted, leading to the suspension of shelter operations. However, the expectation for continued assistance remains bright, considering the extent of damages and the ongoing risk of additional fires.
Compounding the emergency, reports indicated that over 130 separate incidents of fires were registered across Oklahoma, resulting in at least four fatalities statewide, one of which occurred in Logan County. In total, about 200 individuals have reported injuries related to the fires or extreme winds that hindered firefighting efforts.
Emergency measures were enacted, including an immediate evacuation directive for residents in the northeast corner of Logan County due to renewed threats. Fortunately, most of the northeastern wildfires have been contained by local crews, showcasing the dedication of firefighters and responders working around the clock.
Thursday, March 18 saw the community start to return, yet the scene remained grim. Video footage from Sky News captured the destruction, revealing remnants of homes and neighborhoods reduced to ash and rubble. Jim Gardner noted, "People are still reeling from what happened on Friday and Monday. There were significant losses, and recovery will take time."
As families like Tiffany’s navigate the long recovery ahead, the resilience and spirit of this community are put to the test. The fires may have caused immense suffering, but the solidarity among residents serves as a beacon of hope in a time of profound loss.
