Wildfire Response and Recovery

Beginning July 1, 2025, Stillwater residents impacted by the March wildfires can apply for financial assistance through the Stillwater Strong Relief Fund at www.unitedwaypaynecounty.org/stillwater-strong. Applications will remain open through August 1 and are available to both renters and homeowners who claim primary residence in the affected area. The process is short, simple, and designed to ease the burden on those recovering.

All residents, homeowners and renters, affected by the March wildfires and straight-line winds are urged to apply for federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), even if they have insurance.

More than 40% of eligible Payne County residents have not yet applied, despite the wide range of assistance available. Individuals who sustained damage to homes, vehicles, mobile homes, travel trailers, or personal property between March 14 and March 21, 2025, are encouraged to act now.

Registering with FEMA and SBA isn’t just about immediate help – it can also open the door to future programs. Residents are encouraged to apply even if they believe they will not qualify.

Key Facts:

  • FEMA assistance is available for under-insured or uninsured necessary expenses and serious needs. Eligible households may receive up to $43,600 in financial grants.
  • FEMA support may include rental assistance (up to 18 months), home repairs, temporary housing, medical and dental costs, transportation, moving and storage, childcare, and other disaster-related expenses.
  • SBA Disaster Loans can help cover losses not addressed by insurance or FEMA. Homeowners may be eligible for up to $500,000 for real estate and $100,000 for personal property at low interest rates.
  • Renters, homeowners, and even those with insurance coverage should still apply to FEMA and SBA.
  • Denied or underfunded FEMA applicants have the right to appeal within 60 days. Historically, about 70% of appeals result in additional assistance.
  • The deadline to apply for:
    • SBA assistance: July 22, 2025
    • FEMA assistance: July 22, 2025

Residents affected by the March wildfires are encouraged to meet with FEMA and SBA representatives in person at Meridian Technology Center. FEMA will only be available in person at Meridian Technology Center through June 18. Both SBA and FEMA will be closed Thursday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

To register with FEMA

To register with SBA

  • In person: Meridian Technology Center, Business Technology Building, Rooms 127 and 129, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Phone: (800) 659-2955
  • Online: sba.gov/disaster

Additional Relief & Information

Use the following resources for more information:

  1. Stillwater Public Library: Fire Tracking & Recovery
  2. Visit Stillwater: Stillwater Strong, Relief
  3. FEMA: After the Fire: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures (PDF)
  4. Samaritan's Purse: U.S. Disaster Relief Information Flyer (PDF)
  5. After the Fire - Stillwater Fire Department (PDF)
  6. Payne County Assessor & Clerk: Tips after Loss or Damage (PDF)
  7. NCOHBA - Rebuilding and Repairing Your Home After a Natural Disaster (PDF)
  1. 1 Red Cross - Disaster Financial Assistance - Spanish
  2. 2 Red Cross - Disaster Financial Assistance - English

Please be aware, when working with contractors to address repairs and rebuilds, make sure you verify credentials and have worked with your insurance company first. 

Instructions for Demolition/Clean-up

Before a house can be demolished, the sewer service must be disconnected from the home and capped by a licensed plumber. This means you must apply for a Residential Demolition and Plumbing Permits: The demolition permit and plumbing permit can be applied for at the same time.

  1. Demolition Permit
    • Property Owner or Contractor may apply. Complete application form with property address, property owner with best method of contact and Contractor's information with best method of contact.  Permit Fee: $58.98
    • Application for Residential Demolition Permit (PDF)
  2. Plumbing Permit
    • State & Local Licensed Plumber must apply. When connected to City Sewer System: Plumber will need to acquire a Plumbing Permit to perform a Sewer Cap to associate with the Demolition Permit. Permit Fee $18.09. 
    • When connected to Septic or Aerobic System: No permit is required. Plumber should be familiar with Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) requirements for proper closure of the system.
    • Application for Plumbing Permit (PDF)
  3. Inspection
    • The Plumber will contact City of Stillwater's Building & Fire Code Services (BFCS) Deptartment at (405) 742-8399 to schedule inspection for the sewer cap. After the sewer cap inspection has passed, the BFCS Staff will issue the demolition permit and then clean-up can begin. No inspection is required for demolition or removal of debris.

For questions regarding demolition and building permits, call (405) 742-8220.

  1. Emergency Contacts
  2. State of Emergency Proclamation

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Management

Fire Department

Police Department

For residents wanting to donate or volunteer

  1. Donate Item List
  2. Monetary Donations
  3. Volunteer

Updated Needs: Gift Cards

Gift cards are the best way to help support those in need. Gift cards can be dropped off at:

  • Stillwater Armory: 315 E 9th Street
  • Our Daily Bread: 701 E 12th Avenue
  • United Way Office: 109 E 9th Avenue

Other Needs

  • lotion
  • chapstick
  • peanut butter
  • jelly
  • plastic tubs
  • bath towels
  • shampoo/conditioner
  • paper products
  • bleach wipes
  • sparkling water
  • pasta and pasta sauce
  • macaroni and cheese
  • bread
  • eye drops
  • allergy medicine
  • brushes and combs
  • body wash
  • soap
  • phone charging cords and blocks
  • readers

Mayor Joyce declared a State of Emergency for the City of Stillwater on March 14, 2025, due to hazardous conditions caused by wildfires.

Emergency Updates

  • March 18, 3:49 p.m. - Stillwater Fire Department and Mutual Aid Partners in western Payne County are aware of a very large grassfire in northern Logan County; the evacuation notice was for SOUTHWEST PAYNE COUNTY as a precautionary measure. Please remain vigilant to spreading wildfires, do not drive through smoke, and keep roadways clear for emergency response vehicles.
  • March 17, 6:22 p.m. - Press release: Update: Stillwater Wildfires – Assessment of Aftermath and Stillwater Strong Relief
  • March 17, 5:47 p.m. - Stillwater Waste Management wants to help our residents affected by the wildfires by placing dumpsters in neighborhoods that received the most impact. See included maps, with blue boxes, for locations.
  • March 17, 12:35 p.m. - DEMOLITION & BUILDING PERMITS: Please be aware, when working with contractors to address repairs and rebuilds, make sure you verify credentials and have worked with your insurance company first. We want to assist and safeguard our residents in all ways possible. For questions regarding demolition and building permits, call (405) 742-8220.
  • March 16, 6:46 p.m. - The City of Stillwater is aware of the need to safely dispose of chemicals and gases. If you have fuel, kerosene, or other hazardous materials that cannot be placed in regular trash pickup, arrangements are being made for a designated drop-off location. For questions or to coordinate disposal, please email: chris.franks@stillwaterok.gov.
  • March 15, 11 a.m. - Press conference. Watch the press conference on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj6UfM_oy7E
  • March 15, 8:38 a.m. - We need the community's help in identifying damaged electric infrastructure. If you see damaged electric infrastructure, such as poles that are broken or leaning, and lines down, please contact Electric Utility at (405) 372-3292.
  • March 15, 8:12 a.m. - The mandatory evacuation areas have been initially assessed. Residents ONLY may return to the mandatory evacuated areas. The areas are not open to the general public. Primary concerns for residents returning to their homes, include possible fires that may rekindle, nearby hotspots, open gas lines, down power lines, unstable structures (ex. chimneys) that could fall, and other unsafe conditions. If these conditions are observed or an emergency response is needed, please call 911. Please exercise extreme caution in fire-affected areas.
  • March 15, 7:42 a.m. - The mandatory evacuation areas are being assessed for continuing fires, open gas lines, down power lines, and other unsafe conditions. Please continue to check social media and our website.
  • March 15, 1:17 a.m. - The Mandatory Evacuation area has been reduced. Please reference this map to determine if you are safe to return to your property. If you return to your home, please know there is a possibility that fires can rekindle. Be vigilant and call 911 if an emergency arises.
  • March 14, 11:48 p.m. - Do not return to mandatory evacuated areas until we have issued an alert here that it is safe to return. We understand people want to return to their homes and we are trying to get them there as soon as safely possible.
  • March 14, 10:50 p.m. - Mayor Joyce has officially declared a State of Emergency for the City of Stillwater.
  • March 14, 9:55 p.m. - Overnight shelter is available at the Payne County Expo Center, if needed. Cots will be provided.
  • March 14, 7:49 p.m. - Mandatory Evacuation: Deer Crossing Estates - South Range Road to Sangre Road and 44th and 6th.
  • March 14, 7:41 p.m. - Mandatory Evacuation: Range Road to Country Club from 6th to 19th Street, Westpark Addition, and Walmart and hotels in the area of 6th and Country club.
  • March 14, 7:24 p.m. - Mandatory Evacuation: Westpark Addition (Window and Charles Streets) behind G&M Body Shop
  • March 14, 7 p.m. - Mandatory Evacuation: Walmart and all hotels in the area of 6th and Country club