FEMA Issues Fire Management Assistance Declaration for Oklahoma 43 Fire

What Happened

On February 17, 2026, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a Fire Management Assistance declaration (FM-5618-OK) for the state of Oklahoma. This declaration was made in response to the 43 Fire, which began on the same date. The authorization allows federal funds to be used to help manage and mitigate the impacts of the wildfire.

Affected Areas

The declaration specifically identifies Woodward County as the designated area eligible for federal support under this incident.

Federal Assistance Available

Based on the declaration type (Fire Management Assistance), the following programs have been activated:

• Public Assistance: Declared. This provides federal funding for the mitigation, management, and control of fires on publicly or privately owned forests or grasslands which threaten such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.
• Individual Assistance: Not declared.
• Hazard Mitigation: Not declared.

What You Should Do

Local government officials and eligible private non-profit organizations in Woodward County should contact their state emergency management office for information on how to apply for assistance under the Public Assistance program. Residents in the affected area are advised to monitor local news for evacuation updates and follow all instructions from Woodward County emergency management personnel.

Source

Information provided by FEMA.