SUNNY

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Sunny Fire ignited on April 8, 2026. The fire is located approximately nine miles northeast of Pawhuska in Osage County, Oklahoma.
Size and Containment: As of the latest reports over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 1,837 acres and is currently estimated to be between 75% and 85% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is primarily fueled by short grass (approximately 1 foot tall), tall grass (up to 2.5 feet), brush, and timber. During its peak, it exhibited active fire behavior, including running and flanking through the dormant grass and rangeland fuels. Growth has been driven by elevated fire weather, including dry conditions and gusty winds typical of Oklahoma's peak spring fire season.
Containment Efforts: Firefighters have made significant progress in recent days as rangeland fuels are exhibiting moderated fire behavior due to improving fine-dead fuel moisture levels in some areas.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There is currently no public information available regarding mandatory evacuation orders for the Sunny Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: There is no public information available regarding evacuation warnings.
Curfew: No curfews have been reported for this incident at this time.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No specific evacuation shelters have been announced for this incident.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There is currently no public information available regarding road, school, or infrastructure closures related to the Sunny Fire.

For more information, visit:

• Oklahoma Forestry Services
• Osage County Emergency Management
• Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There is no information available regarding injuries or fatalities related specifically to the Sunny Fire.
Structures Impacted: While structures were reported as threatened during the fire's active running and flanking phases, there are currently no official reports of structures damaged or destroyed by this fire.
School and Business Closures: No school or business closures have been reported in relation to this incident.
Notable Impacts: Specific community impacts remain unreported at this time.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There are no reported power outages related to the Sunny Fire at this time.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Residents should consult local authorities for county-issued burn bans, as elevated fire danger persists across the state.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents are advised to monitor local air quality advisories.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters have made significant containment progress, aided by moderated fire behavior and improving fine-dead fuel moisture in some areas. Crews are expected to continue working to fully secure the perimeter.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Elevated to critical fire weather will persist for the next several days. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for portions of northwest and far western Oklahoma. Concern increases significantly on Thursday and Friday ahead of a strong cold front, with Friday poised to present enhanced probabilities for significant fire occurrence in areas where wetting rains have not occurred.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the Sunny Fire is currently unknown and under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire has been fueled by peak spring fire season conditions in Oklahoma, characterized by mostly clear skies, warm temperatures in the 70s to 80s, dry dormant vegetation, and relative humidity dropping to 10-20%. These weather patterns, combined with strong gusty winds, significantly increase the risk of rapid fire spread in rangeland and grassy fuels.

For more information, visit:

• Oklahoma Forestry Services
• Osage County Emergency Management
• Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management