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Wildfires in Oklahoma have claimed the lives of four people and injured at least 200 others. The fires, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, have destroyed nearly 300 structures, including more than 200 homes, and burned 179,000 acres across the state. Among the deceased is Allen Ferguson, a respected youth wrestling coach, who died after trying to save his son from the flames. His son, William Conley, remains in critical condition in a hospital.
According to The Oklahoman, the wildfires impacted several counties, with fatalities reported in Lincoln, Haskell, and Pawnee counties. A vehicle accident in Garfield County, attributed to high winds and blowing dust, also resulted in a fatality. The state's chief medical examiner, Dr. Eric Pfeifer, indicated that two additional traffic fatalities might have been indirectly caused by the severe weather conditions.
The fires have prompted a significant response from local communities and organizations. Oklahoma State University has opened its facilities to those affected, and the Red Cross and Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief are operating shelters for displaced residents. In Stillwater, despite the fires causing substantial destruction, there were no reported deaths or serious injuries, as noted by Mayor Will Joyce.
As reported by Fox Weather, extreme fire weather conditions continue to pose a threat, with sustained winds of up to 30 mph and gusts between 40 and 60 mph expected. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for potential wildfire outbreaks in Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. The winds are expected to subside by Wednesday (March 19), but fire weather could intensify again later in the week.