Updated Feb. 19, 2026, 12:57 p.m. ET – Wildfires are actively burning across the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, having scorched nearly 300,000 acres in Oklahoma and just under 20,000 acres in Texas as of Thursday. Critical fire weather conditions persist, prompting red flag warnings stretching from eastern Modern Mexico into parts of Missouri.
Oklahoma Declares State of Emergency
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has declared a State of Emergency in Beaver, Texas and Woodward counties due to destructive wildfires that have damaged property and prompted evacuations. The Woodward fires are approximately 20% contained, and four firefighters have been injured, receiving treatment overnight. The town of Tyrone in Beaver County was evacuated as a precaution.
Where are the Fires?
In Oklahoma, the Stevens Fire in Texas County has burned 12,400 acres and is 50% contained. The Side Road Fire in Texas County has burned 3,700 acres and is 60% contained. The Ranger Road Fire in Beaver County has burned 283,000 acres in both Oklahoma and Kansas. The 43 Road Fire in Woodward County has burned 1,600 acres and is 30% contained.
In the Texas Panhandle, the 8 Ball Fire in Armstrong County has burned 9,000 acres and is 40% contained, while the Lavender Fire in Oldham County has burned 12,000 acres and is 20% contained. Five additional wildfires have been contained this week on the High Plains, including the Korn Fire in Hartley County, the largest at 275 acres. The Canadian Bridge Fire in Hutchinson County was contained Thursday morning.
Nearly 2 Years Since Texas’ Biggest Fire
These fires arrive nearly two years after the Smokehouse Creek Fire, which began on February 26, 2024, and became the largest wildfire in Texas history, scorching more than 1.1 million acres. The Smokehouse Creek Fire too ranks as the second-biggest in recorded U.S. History, following the Great Fire of 1910.
Investigators determined the Smokehouse Creek Fire was sparked by a downed utility pole. The blaze killed two residents and an estimated 10,000 head of cattle.
Changing Wildfire Season
Wildfire season in the United States is changing, with drought conditions present in more than 45% of the continental United States. According to an AccuWeather meteorologist, fires can ignite and spread rapidly regardless of the month if vegetation is dry and winds are strong.
Red Flag Warnings
A Fire Weather Watch or Red Flag Warning is issued when dry fuels and weather conditions create extreme fire danger. During Red Flag Warnings, the National Weather Service advises extreme caution with open flames and discourages activities like throwing live charcoal on the ground or discarding cigarettes from vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counties in Oklahoma are under a State of Emergency?
Beaver, Texas, and Woodward counties are currently under a State of Emergency in Oklahoma.
How many acres have burned in Oklahoma?
Wildfires in Oklahoma have burned nearly 300,000 acres across the Panhandle.
What caused the Smokehouse Creek Fire?
Investigators determined the Smokehouse Creek Fire was caused by a downed utility pole.
As conditions remain dangerous, what steps can residents accept to stay safe and informed about the evolving wildfire situation?
