More Than 19,000 Acres Burned In Mooreland Fire

The Oklahoma Forestry Services said more than 19,000 acres have burned in northwest Oklahoma since early this week.

Related Story: Mooreland Firefighters Frustrated By Delay In Air Support

July 28, 2022 -- 2:32 p.m. Update

Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security director Mark Gower released statements Thursday regarding the large fire outbreak.

“My prayers go out to the Oklahomans currently battling the devastating fires across parts of our state,” Governor Kevin Stitt said in a statement. “Please know, the state is doing everything in its power to support the emergency; including calling the Oklahoma National Guard and working with Congressman Frank Lucas’ office to get out of state resources from the U.S. Forestry Service. While the destruction to the impacted communities is devastating, I am proud to see that the Oklahoma Standard is alive and well through the local support including rural fire departments, and the efforts led by Secretary Blayne Arthur, ODEMHS Director Mark Gower, local legislators, who have provided leadership and assisted in acquiring resources to support those battling the fires. We will continue to monitor the situation as it progresses and take appropriate action as needed.”

“This week’s fast-moving wildfire in Woodward County paired with dangerous high temperatures have been difficult for responders, but dozens of fire departments and wildland task forces have answered the call to step in and help and couldn’t be more grateful for their service,” Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security director Mark Gower said in a statement. “This state is also fortunate to have an experienced network of personnel with Oklahoma Forestry Services, Oklahoma National Guard members, local emergency managers, and voluntary agencies. We are thankful to Governor Stitt for his quick approval of National Guard air support and for his office’s aid in bringing in the U.S. Forestry Tankers.”

Update as of 8:48 p.m. on July 27, 2022 from Woodward County Emergency Manager: "The evacuation order has now expired. No homes have been lost at this time, air attack stopped it. 8 Fire Task forces from the state will be there in the morning , with Grady County Task force arriving tonight with 10 trucks. Anyone what wishes to donate water/Gatorade to firefighters may drop those off at Mooreland Community Center 115 SE 6th St Mooreland Oklahoma. Aircraft’s will resume in the morning at daylight to finish off the fire, and the rain moves in tomorrow as well." The emergency manager will continue to post updates to the Woodward Ready Facebook page.