FEMA Issues Fire Management Assistance Declaration for Oklahoma's Rattlesnake Fire

What Happened

On February 19, 2026, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a Fire Management Assistance declaration (FM-5621-OK) for the Rattlesnake Fire in Oklahoma. The incident began on February 19, 2026, prompting federal intervention to assist with fire suppression efforts and management of the emergency.

Affected Areas

The declaration identifies two counties in Oklahoma as designated areas for federal support:

• Osage County
• Washington County

Federal Assistance Available

Under this Fire Management Assistance declaration, Public Assistance has been activated. This program allows for federal funding to be used for the mitigation, management, and control of fires on publicly or privately owned forests or grasslands. At this time, Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs have not been declared for this incident.

What You Should Do

Local authorities and eligible entities in Osage and Washington counties should contact state emergency management officials for information on applying for Public Assistance. Residents in the affected areas should remain alert to local emergency broadcasts and follow all evacuation or safety orders issued by local officials.

Source

Information provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).