As one of the largest cities in the country, Oklahoma City has a character all its own. Located in the heart of Oklahoma, the city sits on a sloping landscape that stretches into grassy plains to the west. As the population grows and urban development expands, the mix of neighborhoods with wide stretches of brush, fields, and pasture makes Oklahoma City more at risk for wildfires.
ClimateCheck, a platform that rates a property’s future risk of climate change-related hazards, gives Oklahoma City a high fire risk rating of 44 out of 100. Meanwhile, another climate risk assessment performed by the foundation First Street showed that there are over 140,000 properties in the city today that are at risk of a wildfire. This is expected to grow to more than 150,000 over the next 30 years. These are not just scary numbers. They represent homes, schools, businesses, and vital infrastructures that shape life in OKC.
To put things in a national context, ClimateCheck ranks the state of Oklahoma 7th in the U.S. for wildfire-related property damage risk. According to a 2024 wildland fire report of the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC), Oklahoma recorded a total of 3,041 fires, burning through a staggering 383,592 acres. What’s truly saddening about these numbers is that nearly 100% of those fires were caused by human activities.
Primary Causes of Wildfires in Oklahoma City
Surrounded by vast stretches of open rangeland, wildfires are a year-round threat in OKC, and the three primary causes are the following:
- Discarded Smoking Materials
Cigarettes and other smoking materials thrown from moving vehicles remain one of the leading causes of wildfires in the city. Even small embers can ignite dry grass and debris, and lead to rapidly expanding fires, especially under windy conditions.
- Open Trash Burning
Despite regulations and public awareness campaigns, the practice of open burning for waste disposal continues. During dry and breezy weather, these fires can easily get out of control and spread to nearby areas.
- Children Playing with Fire
Fires accidentally started by children playing with matches or lighters are a common problem in the city. These situations often happen in neighborhoods or open fields and put both people and property at serious risk.
Major Wildfires in OKC
Oklahoma City has seen several large and dangerous wildfires within its limits. Wildfire threats across the city are real and serious, and the following events make that all too clear.
Northeast OKC Wildfire (August 2011)
In late August 2011, a large wildfire broke out near NE 63rd Street and Sooner Road. It burned around 800 acres, destroyed 12 homes, and forced evacuations. Firefighters, including fire crew from Tinker Air Force Base, worked around the clock to contain the fire and protect lives.
The fire caused serious disruptions with over 7,300 people losing power, multiple schools had to adjust student drop-offs, and shelters were set up for both people and animals. Also, four people were reported injured, including two firefighters.
Southeast OKC Wildfire (February 2017)
At 11:30 am on February 12, 2017, a wildfire ignited in southeast Oklahoma City near SE 134th, Air Depot Boulevard, SE 149th, and Midwest Boulevard. The fire rapidly spread and prompted evacuation in the area and some parts of northeastern Norman. The Oklahoma National Guard even assisted by using a helicopter to drop water, and multiple counties sent in firefighting support.
Burning nearly 900 acres, the wildfire damaged two mobile homes and two outbuildings, but no houses were destroyed and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire wasn’t determined, but the area had already been under a burn ban, which was extended following the wildfire.
OKC Metro Grass Fires (March 2023)
On the afternoon of March 31, 2023, a series of grass fires broke out across the OKC metro area. The fires prompted evacuations, highway closures, and widespread emergency response efforts. The Oklahoma City Fire Department responded to five separate grass fires. In Edmond, flames reached residential backyards and public schools had to adjust bus routes due to smoke. The grass fires also led to power outages throughout the metro area.
44-County Oklahoma Wildfires (March 2025)
In March 2025, Oklahoma faced severe wildfires that caused four deaths, injured at least 200 people, and destroyed more than 400 homes across the state. The fires burned around 170,000 acres, with Oklahoma City being one of the hardest-hit areas.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management reported over 130 fires in 44 counties and power outages exceeded 77,000 across the state. Strong winds, low humidity, and dry conditions helped the fires spread quickly which led to evacuations and a state of emergencydeclared in 12 counties and the National Weather Service warned of “near-historic” fire conditions in the Plains.
How Residents Can Help Reduce Wildfire Risk
With nearly all of Oklahoma’s wildfires in 2024 caused by human activity, it’s clear that prevention starts with people. Avoiding the top three causes—careless smoking, open trash burning, and kids playing with fire—is important. Below are other meaningful ways you can help reduce wildfire risk in Oklahoma City.
Create a defensible space around your home.
Considered one of the most cost-effective ways of protecting your homes from wildfire, a defensible space is a buffer zone that helps slow the spread of fire and gives firefighters a better chance to protect lives and properties. This can be done by keeping your grass well-maintained, trimming low tree branches, and clearing out dry leaves, dead plants, and flammable debris within at least 30 feet of your home.
Practice fire safety during outdoor activities.
When grilling, camping, or using outdoor equipment, you must be extra cautious, especially since a simple spark from tools can ignite dry vegetation. It is important to never leave flames unattended and always have water or an extinguisher nearby.
Report illegal fire behavior.
Burn bans, which are legally enforced restrictions based on weather and fire risk, can last up to 14 days for county bans or longer under Governor-issued bans. If you see anyone ignoring burn bans, don’t hesitate to let local authorities know. Reporting these violations quickly can make a big difference in stopping a small spark from turning into a major wildfire. It is also important to remember that breaking a burn ban can result in fines up to $500 or even $1,000, plus possible imprisonment.
Is Oklahoma at risk for fires
Taking Action Matters
In conclusion, with Oklahoma City’s high fire risk, the threat is both real and urgent. Community awareness and individual responsibility play vital roles in preventing devastating wildfires. By staying vigilant and practicing fire-safe habits, residents can help safeguard their neighborhoods and support a more resilient future for the city.