Dormant fuels and persistent dry conditions continue to drive significant wildfire activity across Oklahoma, with state forestry resources currently engaged in multiple large-scale suppressions. As of late February 2026, the combination of above-normal temperatures and low relative humidity has created an environment where even moderate winds trigger problematic fire behavior, including tree torching and spotting.
Current Large Fire Status
Firefighters are currently managing several significant blazes concentrated in the eastern and central portions of the state. The most substantial active incident is the Box Springs Road Fire in Pushmataha County, which has burned 905 acres and is 40% contained.
Other notable active fires include:
- Devil’s Backbone Fire (Pushmataha County): 392 acres, 60% contained.
- Nofire Hollow (Cherokee County): 352 acres, 80% contained.
- Blue Hog Fire (Latimer County): 340 acres, 80% contained.
- Turkey Creek Fire (Creek County): 250 acres, 40% contained.
- Red Oak Peak Fire (Latimer County): 204 acres, 75% contained.
Recent data indicates that incendiary acts remain a leading cause of ignition, accounting for seven of the most recent fires reported across the Northeast, East-Central, and Southeast areas.
Regional Outlook and Fire Behavior
While overnight moisture recovery provided a brief reprieve for northern counties, fire danger remains the primary headline for the remainder of the week.
- The Panhandle and Northwest: This region faces the most concerning alignment of environmental factors. With 1-hour dead fuel moisture at a critical 4% and wind gusts exceeding 20 mph, grasslands may see rates of spread reaching 200 feet per minute.
- Western and Southwest Oklahoma: Temperatures between 70° and 77° paired with 18% humidity are expected to support rapid fire spread. Rangeland fuels in these areas are producing flame lengths between 11 and 17 feet.
- Central and Eastern Oklahoma: Despite lighter winds, fuels in these regions are expressing high resistance to control. In grass-dominated fuels, flame lengths are reaching up to 20 feet during peak burning conditions.
Strategic Mobilization
Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) has pre-positioned suppression groups and task forces in Guymon, Woodward, Weatherford, Lawton, and Okmulgee. Additionally, National Guard modules have been deployed to Tahlequah and Talihina to assist with the ongoing resource commitment.
The wildfire threat is expected to remain elevated through Saturday. However, a shifting weather pattern early next week offers the potential for widespread rainfall, which may provide much-needed relief to the parched landscapes across the state.
Burn Bans:
