STILLWATER, Okla. – Wildfires swept through Stillwater over the weekend, devastating neighborhoods and leaving many residents grappling with loss. One poignant moment emerged from the ashes when Scott McKinley, who lost his home, played "Amazing Grace" on his bagpipes, touching the hearts of many within his community.
On March 14, 2025, as winds fueled the flames, McKinley and his family evacuated with minimal belongings, including his cherished bagpipes. "I think we just really needed something therapeutic in this moment," McKinley recounted. The tragedy unfolded rapidly as the fires approached from the north, forcing him and his family to leave their home behind.
Scott described the desperate attempts he and his neighbor made to fend off the advancing flames. "We pretty much tackled it, with garden hoses," he said, but the flames from the south proved overwhelming. Grabbing his family and pets and, of course, his bagpipes, McKinley ran to safety.
When he returned later to survey the damage, the sight was heartbreaking. "Our house is in ashes, but family is safe, which is all matters," he posted on Facebook alongside images of their home reduced to rubble. That night, amid his sorrow, he took out his bagpipes and began to play, capturing the grief and resilience of his family and the community.
His spontaneous performance became viral, generating over half a million views online. "It was therapeutic for us," McKinley reflected. "I had this moment where I looked in the mirror and noticed I was wearing the same clothes I had on when the fire first came." The response from his neighbors echoed this sentiment; one local noted, "We definitely needed it, and I think the community needed it."">
But McKinley's story is not solitary. Despite the widespread devastation, it reflects the communal spirit of Stillwater. Official estimates indicate at least 74 homes were either destroyed or damaged during the fires stretching from March 15-16, and the count may rise as assessments continue. Stillwater Fire Chief Terry Essary emphasized the extensive damage, stating, "We are incredibly grateful no one perished due to the fires."
Among the affected, Andrine Shufran stood alongside neighbors like Philomen Saliki, both expressing gratitude for their survival amid their loss. On March 17, Shufran witnessed her home reduced to ash but found support from her community when members of the Oklahoma State University (OSU) undergraduates arrived to help salvage what they could.
"Students really came through for us at this time, with about 10 volunteering to help me out," Shufran said, illustrating the bond formed through adversity. Fundraising efforts via GoFundMe campaigns have also been launched to support families like the McKinleys and Shufrans during this trying time.
While McKinley's performance brought joy amid sorrow, his call to action extended beyond personal remedy. "There’s always somebody in a worse situation than you are. We’re lucky; we still have family nearby," he pointed out, acknowledging his good fortune. He expressed concern for those lacking family support and urged the community to rally around everyone affected.
Despite the tragedy, Stillwater’s resolve remains strong. McKinley acknowledged this sentiment when he stated, "It doesn't have to be a tragedy if you don’t allow it. I think the community understands this isn’t going to beat us." His perspective reflects the broader ethos shared by many Oklahomans, who often rise to challenges with determination and resilience.
Mayor Will Joyce reaffirmed the united front, stating, "We’re still asking for donations to help those impacted, and the community's response has been uplifting," as families, friends, and neighbors continue to support one another through the recovery process. Donations can be directed to the Stillwater Armory as aid pours forth to rebuild lives and memories.
While the fires have wreaked havoc and destruction, the outpouring of support, community bonding, and shared resolve to rebuild echoes loudly through the town, brightening the path toward recovery. McKinley’s bagpipe performance underscored the spirit of resilience, turning heartache to harmony, symbolizing hope for those affected by this catastrophic event.
