Overview
- The wildfire broke out Monday afternoon near Velma and moved rapidly east-northeast, prompting mandatory evacuation orders for the town.
- The National Weather Service in Norman issued a fire warning at the request of Stephens County Emergency Management that warned smoke and flames could threaten life and property and urged residents not to drive into smoke.
- The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office opened an evacuation shelter at the Stephens County Fairgrounds for displaced residents and told people to stay away from the area until further notice.
- Officials warned firefighters to expect wind-driven runs, torching and spot fires that may exceed conventional suppression tactics and require responders to focus on life-safety actions.
- Videos of the fire have circulated while local authorities continue to update evacuation maps and shelter information; containment figures and casualty reports have not been released so residents should follow official county channels for changes.