SOUTHERN PLAINS, OKLAHOMA (RFD NEWS) — A major wildfire is threatening farms and ranches across the Southern Plains, with at least 145,000 acres burned in Oklahoma as of last night.
Video shared by the Oklahoma Forestry Services shows flames burning in the distance through thick smoke and blowing dust in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Officials say the fire is spreading north into Kansas and south toward Texas.
Evacuations are underway in several areas, and multiple firefighters have been injured battling the blaze.
Red Flag Warning Issued
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Oklahoma Panhandle, citing extreme fire danger fueled by strong winds and dry conditions.
Forestry officials estimate one rapidly moving fire alone is burning approximately 15,000 acres and has crossed state lines into both Texas and Kansas.
Aviation resources have been requested, but wind gusts exceeding 65 miles per hour are currently preventing aircraft operations — severely limiting aerial firefighting efforts.
Ranchers Race to Protect Livestock
As flames move across rangeland, livestock producers are scrambling to move cattle to safety.
Jake Dolezal, an Oklahoma rancher, shared a video showing thick smoke covering pastureland as cattle followed a pickup truck out of danger. According to Dolezal, the herd trailed the vehicle for an extended period before safely exiting the pasture.
With thousands of cattle in the affected areas, market analysts say the fires could affect livestock markets, depending on the scale of losses and long-term pasture damage.
Right now a major wildfire is threatening farms and ranches in the Southern Plains.
— RFD-TV (@OfficialRFDTV) February 18, 2026
This video was sent to us by Jake Dolezal out of Oklahoma. Through the thick smoke, the cattle are following a truck to safety. #wx #okwx #wildfires #agtwitter pic.twitter.com/AFi6qG0y0U
Ongoing Threat Across the Southern Plains
Meteorologists say powerful winds remain the biggest challenge for firefighters. Gusts above 65 mph accelerate fire spread, creating dangerous and unpredictable conditions on the ground.
Officials warn that continued dry weather and wind could allow the fire footprint to expand further across the region.
More updates are expected throughout the day as crews work to contain the blaze and assess damage across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas.
