Oklahoma is facing a period of intensified wildfire risk as record-breaking temperatures and critically low humidity levels settle over the state. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry (ODAFF) and Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) report that fuel moisture continues to degrade, making fire suppression efforts increasingly difficult.
According to Farm Director KC Sheperd, state fire officials are monitoring a “Fire Weather Watch” that is expected to transition into a “Red Flag Warning” as breezy conditions move into the western regions.
Current Wildfire Activity
Recent data highlights a steady increase in fire starts, many of which are attributed to human activity and escaped burns. On March 19, multiple fires were reported across key areas:
- Northeast Oklahoma: 3 fires burned 119 acres (Causes: Escaped control burn, escaped debris, and incendiary).
- East-Central Oklahoma: 3 fires burned 51 acres (Causes: 2 escaped control burns, 1 incendiary).
- Southeast Oklahoma: 2 fires burned 8.4 acres (Causes: Escaped control burn, 1 incendiary).
Two significant fires remain under observation but are nearing full containment: the Little Fourche Fire in Latimer County, which has burned an estimated 850 acres (90% contained), and the Little Antler Fire in Cherokee County, encompassing 320 acres (90% contained).
Statewide Forecast and Fire Behavior
While light winds today may temporarily limit the speed of fire spread, the combination of high heat and low relative humidity is creating “extremely receptive fuels.”
- Western & Panhandle Regions: Temperatures are expected to soar between 90°F and 99°F. Humidity values as low as 6-14% in the Panhandle and 8-18% in the Southwest will drop fine-dead fuel moisture to a critical 2-3%. Residents should expect problematic fire behavior, including tree torching and short-range spotting.
- Central & Eastern Oklahoma: Temperatures will range from 82°F to 95°F. While humidity is slightly higher in the far southeast, much of the state will see values drop below 20% this afternoon.
Looking Ahead: Sunday Cold Front
A dry cold front is projected to dive into Oklahoma on Sunday. While cold fronts often bring relief, this specific system is expected to escalate fire danger due to shifting, aggressive winds. Officials warn this could reintroduce the potential for “significant fire activity,” defined as fires burning more than 5,000 acres.
With no significant precipitation in the seven-day forecast and another frontal boundary approaching next Thursday, fire danger is expected to remain firmly entrenched across the state.
