In the days leading up to Friday March 14, 2025, local news stations and authorities warned of the oncoming dangers of hurricane wind gusts of 85+, with a high possibility of fires all over the state as the wind blew in dust across the state.
As the wind began to blow, in came the dust turning the sky to a veil of brown giving us a glimpse of a “dust bowl” experience of the 1930s. Locals stayed mindful but still not completely aware of what this would look like for the local and surrounding areas. Evacuations started for areas affected by fires that moved into several areas of the state. From plant to animal, or cars on the road, the wind took a volatile action against it all. Birds trying to take flight while continually being pushed back into the trees, looking for shelter from the wind. Sirens were heard from every direction through the day andsome of the night as the fire crews worked to contain and prevent further fire outbreaks as over 100 fires took their toll on homes, land, and life. The dust causing low visibility in some areas mixed with smoke made driving and moving about difficult for many and air quality was at an all time low and dangerous for those with respiratory illnesses.
This wind, fire and dust storm left parts of the state in destruction, as Governor Stitt faced the loss of his home and farm in Luther, he visited several hard hit areas of the fires and declared a state of emergency in 12 counties: Cleveland, Creek, Dewey, Grady, Lincoln, Logan, Oklahoma, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie, Roger Mills, and Stephens signing Executive Order 202506 the Monday following the events.
Local fire and police stations worked hard and are thankful for the community donations of water and other items that helped them to keep moving quickly to contain and put out the fires and prevent more loss. As the days come and go little by little the loss is determined as families face losing their homes and memories forever lost to the devastation. It is a time of sorrow but a time of building, not just homes but communities who come together and help their neighbor.