43

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The 43 Fire ignited on the afternoon of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in Woodward County, Oklahoma. The fire started near 43 Road, southwest of the city of Woodward.
Size and Containment: As of the latest update on February 21, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 2,159 acres and is 90% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire was fueled by extremely dry vegetation and intensified by strong winds, which initially drove rapid spread and erratic behavior, including reports of a fire whirl. The fire quickly threatened the southwest portion of the city of Woodward before crews could halt its forward progress.
Containment Efforts: Firefighting crews from Woodward County, along with support from Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) and task forces from surrounding counties, have been engaged in suppression. Efforts have now shifted primarily to "mop-up" operations—extinguishing hot spots within the containment lines to prevent flare-ups.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:

• Status: All evacuation orders for the City of Woodward and surrounding areas have been lifted.
• Previous Orders: Earlier in the week, mandatory evacuations were in place for areas south of Highway 412 and west of 13th Street. Residents have since been allowed to return to their homes.
• Shelters: Emergency shelters that were previously established at the Woodward Pioneer Room and Faith United Methodist Church have been closed as they are no longer needed.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Current Status: Major roadways in the area are open. However, residents should exercise caution as emergency vehicles and utility crews may still be working along roadsides in the fire area.
• Advisory: Drivers are urged to stay alert for firefighting equipment and personnel conducting final containment operations.

Current Impact

Structures and Community Impact:

• Structures Destroyed: Official reports confirm that 3 structures were destroyed by the 43 Fire. This includes two structures at a local USDA facility.
• Agricultural Impact: The broader wildfire outbreak in the region has had a significant impact on the local agricultural community. Ranchers are facing shortages of hay and feed, and there are reports of displaced livestock and orphaned calves due to the fires.
• Injuries: There have been no fatalities reported specifically for the 43 Fire. However, injuries to firefighters were reported in the wider outbreak of fires across the region during the initial operational periods.

Safety Concerns:

• Air Quality: While smoke has largely dissipated, residual smoke from smoldering heavy fuels may still be present in the immediate vicinity of the burn scar.
• Burn Ban: Extreme caution is still advised regarding outdoor burning. Residents should check with local authorities before engaging in any open fire activities, as vegetation remains dormant and susceptible.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With containment at 90%, fire crews are expected to maintain full containment and continue monitoring the perimeter. The threat of significant new growth from this specific fire is currently low.
Weather and Wind Warnings:

• Current Conditions: Today (Sunday, Feb 22) is forecast to be sunny with temperatures in the mid-40s to upper 40s and lighter winds, aiding containment efforts.
• Forecast: A shift in weather is expected early next week. Monday brings a chance of rain and snow, which would further assist in extinguishing any remaining hot spots. However, a return to dry conditions is possible later in the week, so vigilance remains necessary.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The specific cause of the 43 Fire remains under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire's rapid initial growth was driven by "extreme fire weather" conditions characterized by high winds (gusts over 50 mph), low relative humidity, and drought-stressed vegetation. These conditions created a volatile environment that allowed multiple fires across the Oklahoma Panhandle and western counties to spread explosively on February 17.

For more information, visit:

• Oklahoma Forestry Services: ag.ok.gov/divisions/forestry-services (Check for "Situation Reports")
• Woodward County Emergency Management: woodwardcounty.org
• Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management: oklahoma.gov/oem