Fire Tracking & Recovery

Immediate Assistance

For those displaced by the fires with immediate needs, please email the word "NEED" in the subject line to Stillwaterstrongrelief@gmail.com. Please include your name, phone number, and a specific need (e.g., food, shelter, clothing, animal care). Someone will reach out to get details and meet the need as quickly as possible. Fire victims can also call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

• Our Daily Bread has a designated room for those impacted by wildfires. Visit during shopping hours or call (405) 533-2555, extension 104, to arrange a pickup time if needed.
• Samaritan's Purse: U.S. Disaster Relief Information (PDF) - Flyer with details for requesting help with recovering personal items, chainsaw work, and temporary roof taping.

City of Stillwater

Please visit the City of Stillwater's Wildfire Response and Recovery Page for City-wide updates, including details about demolition, permitting, and cleanup.

Follow the City on Facebook

The City posts frequent updates on Facebook. SEMA (Stillwater Emergency Management) is Stillwater's authoritative resource during emergencies.

• Emergency Management
• City of Stillwater
• Fire Department
• Police Department

State Wildfire Situation Update: FEMA Assistance Approved

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) announced on Friday, May 23, that the White House approved Gov. Stitt's March 21 request for federal disaster assistance for seven counties related to the March 14-21 wildfires. This means that individuals and business owners in Payne County (along with Cleveland, Creek, Lincoln, Logan, Oklahoma, and Pawnee counties) may now qualify for disaster aid through a FEMA Individual Assistance disaster declaration. Click here Version OptionsFire Tracking & RecoveryHeadline State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update State Wildfire Situation Update: State Wildfire Situation Update: FEMA State Wildfire Situation Update: FEMA State Wildfire Situation Update: FEMA Assistance Approved State Wildfire Situation Update: FEMA Assistance Approved State Wildfire Situation Update: FEMA Assistance Approved State Wildfire Situation Update: FEMA Assistance Approved State Wildfire Situation Update: FEMA Assistance Approved State Wildfire Situation Update: FEMA Assistance Approved State Wildfire Situation Update: FEMA Assistance Approved State Wildfire Situation Update: FEMA Assistance Approved State Wildfire Situation Update: FEMA Assistance Approved State Wildfire Situation Update: FEMA Assistance Approved State Wildfire Situation Update: FEMA Assistance Approved for OEM updates on wildfires.

To apply for FEMA disaster assistance

Residents in Payne County (plus the other seven listed above) may call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or go online at www.disasterassistance.gov. FEMA and the SBA have also set up a temporary disaster recovery center in Mannford to help residents and business owners affected by the fires in Creek, Pawnee, and Payne counties. It is located at the First Baptist Church in Mannford

The designation delivers assistance from FEMA for housing repairs or temporary housing, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, disaster unemployment assistance, and grants for serious needs and necessary disaster expenses not met by other programs.

Small Business Administration Assistance

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans to Oklahoma small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents to offset physical and economic losses from wildfires beginning March 14. Read the press release for more details.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email  disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information about assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay service. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 20, 2026.

FEMA & SBA Disaster Recovery Center in Payne County

FEMA Individual Assistance, in a joint effort with SBA Disaster Loan Outreach, will host a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Representatives will be on hand at the Stillwater Community Center in Room 202. They will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through June 11, 2025. Click here for FEMA's DRC locator.

Recovery Resources

Start Here

• Stillwater Fire Department's After the Fire Instruction Booklet (PDF)
• Red Cross Recovery Guide: Picking Up the Pieces After a Fire (PDF) - Gives a good overview in a format that is easy to print and share with others who may have limited connectivity. Includes checking for structural damage, assessing systems & utilities, and rebuilding.
• U.S. Fire Administration After the Fire Start Guide (PDF) - Includes a basic checklist.
• Red Cross Steps for Checking Your Home after a Fire - A rundown of checking structures, utilities, and systems.
• USPS Change of Address - You can change your address online for $1.10 or go to your local post office. Stillwater's Post Office is located at 809 S. Lewis.
• USDA Wildfire Recovery Info for Agricultural Operations - Recovery programs, reporting losses, and tips for protecting yourself and your property.
  • USDA Wildfire Disaster Assistance Factsheet (PDF)

Replacing Lost Documents

• Social Security Cards
• Medicare Cards
• SNAP EBT Card - Call 1-888-328-6551 to replace the card; Apply for food replacement online or call (405) 522-5050 within 10 days. 
• Wick Documentation - Go to the Payne County Health Department in person (1321 W. 7th) or call (405) 372-8200, and employees will help you complete a benefits request form.
• Passports
• OK Driver's License or State I.D.
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Cards)
• Military Records
• Oklahoma Death Certificates
• Oklahoma Birth Certificates
• Birth Certificates and other Vital Records from other States
• Mortgages - Contact your lender or mortgage servicer
• Leases - Contact your landlord or property management company
• Vehicle Title
• Deeds - Get from the Payne County Clerk's office in person (315 W. 6th, #202) or over the phone (405) 747-8310. No charge.
• Marriage & Death Certificates - Get from the Payne County Court Clerk's office in person (606 S. Husband, #206 & #207), by phone  (405) 372-4774, or online. The cost is 50 cents per page. In-person is the fastest. Check court clerk locations/contact info for other counties here                                                         .
• U.S. Savings Bonds 
• U.S. Tax Returns
• OK State Tax Return - Complete a 599 Request form, or if you had your tax return completed by a paid preparer, they should be able to provide you with a copy of the return.

Insurance

• Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID)'s Consumer Assistance Division - Representatives are available to answer insurance-related questions. Request assistance at 800-522-0071 or (405) 521-2828.
  • OID After the Disaster Recovery Guide (PDF) - An overview of what you might expect and how to deal with your insurance claim to make the process easier.
  • NAIC Home Inventory Checklist (PDF)
• Western Fire Chiefs Association's Tips for Managing Insurance and Recovery after a Wildfire - Navigate the challenges of wildfire recovery with practical tips on managing insurance and restoring your home.
• United Policyholders Insurance Resources - United Policyholders (UP) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to be a trustworthy information resource and a voice for consumers in all types of insurance in all 50 states. The page includes links to navigating your insurance. Please note that the documenting damage link to the Oklahoman is not working.
  • UP's Road to Recovery Guide
  • UP's Claim Guidance Library
• Oklahoma Legal Aid Tips on Insurance Claims (PDF)- Understanding your policy, the process, and how to help prevent issues.
• Oklahoma Legal Aid Renter's Rights (PDF) - Communicating with landlords who may not know their responsibilities after a disaster.

Mental Health

• Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 - 24/7 free counseling and support.
• Red Cross: Emotional Health After a Recovery (PDF) - Overview of expected and normal emotional responses, suggestions, and attending to the emotional needs of children.
• American Psychological Association: Building Your Resilience - Tips for coping during a disaster.
• Click here                                                                                        for more Mental Health resource sites.

Finances

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Guide to Dealing with Emergencies and Disasters 
  • What to do after a disaster - Covers topics like what help to expect from companies you use, taking care of housing, dealing with property damage, managing bills, credit awareness, and scams.
  • Preparing for a disaster - Gathering account numbers and contact info, keeping info safe, reviewing insurance coverage, etc.
• Bureau of Engraving & Printing (BEP) Mutilated Currency Redemption - Mutilated currency is paper money that has been damaged to the extent that one-half or less of the original note remains or its condition is such that its value is questionable. The BEP can help individuals obtain replacement currency in many cases.

Fraud & Scams

Here’s some advice to help you avoid common post-disaster scams and protect your personal information.

• Federal Trade Commission: How to Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters - Printable tip sheets, videos, articles, and how to report scams. 
  • Comprehensive article for recognizing, avoiding scams, getting help, etc.
  • Printable Advice Sheet (PDF)
• FEMA's Disaster Fraud Guidance - How to be aware of fake offers of federal aid. Includes translation to multiple languages.
• Oklahoma Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit: Disaster Scam Prevention (PDF) - Comprehensive packet including tips for avoiding numerous types of fraud (price gouging, home repair, charity, and more). Email consumerprotection@oag.ok.gov or call (405) 521-2929 or 1-833-681-1895.
• Property Fraud Alert for Payne County - This monitoring system will send an email or text message alert to you if a document, such as a deed or lien, is recorded with your name or business name as it appears in the title. You must register for a FREE account to be able to receive monitoring.

Disposal 

• Hazardous Materials - 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. 
• Dumpsters - Stillwater Waste Management is placing dumpsters in neighborhoods that received the most impact. See maps with blue boxes for locations.
• OSU Extension Livestock Disposal Guide - Follow state-approved methods for burying carcasses of livestock killed by wildfires. They also have a guide for a composting option.

Demolition & Rebuilding

For questions regarding demolition and building permits, call (405) 742-8220 and refer to the City's How to Apply for Residential Demolition and Plumbing Permits (PDF) and/or print a resource page. More information and updates on the City's Wildfire Response page.

• Oklahoma Construction Industries Board: Are They Licensed? - Search databases for the licensing status of roofing, electrical, and plumbing contractors.
• Oklahoma Legal Aid Hiring a Contractor - A list of things to remember when hiring a contractor.

Salvaging Records, Photos, and Other Family Treasures

• FEMA: Save Your Family Treasures - Steps and tips for saving family treasures, including an After the Fire Fact Sheet (PDF).
• Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF) - Co-sponsored by FEMA and the Smithsonian, the organization works with institutions and the public to help address disaster-related impacts on cultural and family heirlooms. They have a small database of resources searchable by damage type, with materials geared toward institutions and individuals.
• National Heritage Responders is a foundation of the American Institute for Conservation's emergency response team. If your personal items have been damaged in an emergency, you can call (202) 661-8068 or email  NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org. 
  • Check out their vast list of tip sheets developed by responders on topics covering a wide variety of issues and materials.
• "Fires destroyed your family photos. Here are some ways to restore those memories           " - An article from the LA Times with ideas for recovering photos and ways to safeguard them for future disasters.

Cleaning & Food Safety

• Red Cross Cleaning Up After a Fire - Tips for cleaning and removing odors.
• The County of Los Angeles Public Health Department has several useful fact sheets. 
  • Clean-Up After a Fire - Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
  • Returning Home After a Fire (PDF) - Basic precautions for cleaning, water safety, food safety, and wildlife.
  • How to Clean Up Smoke and Soot from a Fire (PDF)
  • Swimming Pools After a Fire (PDF)
  • Disinfection of Onsite Water Storage Tanks (PDF)
  • Post Fire Rodent and Wildlife Control (PDF)
  • Checking Homegrown Produce After a Fire for Individuals (PDF)

Asthma & Air Quality

• AirNow Fire and Smoke Map - Check current wildfire smoke air quality conditions, fire locations from incidents and satellite detections, and smoke plumes detected by satellites.
• AirNow's Wildfire Guide Factsheets - Includes factsheets on at-risk groups during wildfires (PDF), indoor air filtration (PDF), protecting yourself from smoke and ash (PDF), and more. (Many are also in Spanish.)
• CDC: Wildfire Smoke and People with Chronic Conditions - Description of how to protect yourself depending on your health conditions.
• CDC: Safety Guidelines After a Wildfire - Includes tips for reducing exposure to smoke, protecting yourself from ash, and more.
• CDC Guidelines: Wildfires and Wildfire Smoke - Information for protecting yourself, children, and pets from smoke.
• EPA Air Cleaners and Air Filters in the Home - Information for using air filtration to reduce or remove pollutants.

Preparing for Future Fires

Fire & Smoke Mapping Tools

These two are librarian favorites because they use satellite technology to provide near real-time active fire data. They have street map overlays that make it easy to see more specific locations in a way we can visualize and understand.

• Hazard Mapping System Fire and Smoke by NOAA OSPO (Office of Satellite and Product Operations). Why librarians like it: easy to navigate and has fewer options and filters, but still uses the satellite technology that NASA's tool uses. It also has an option for smoke detection.
• NASA FIRMS (Fire Information for Resource Management System). Why librarians like it: It is comprehensive and includes various filters for viewing more or less information. Those options can make it more difficult to navigate, especially on a phone.

Librarians are aware of other apps and webpages that provide information, but many of them operate off of voluntary reporting and may not be current or accurate.

Evacuation Checklists

• FEMA Emergency Supply List (PDF)- Basic go-bag checklist with add-on items to consider. 
• AARP's Three-Day Go Bag Checklist (PDF)
• National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Pet Evacuation Checklists - For household pets and horses.

Planning Tools

• Ready.gov: Financial Preparedness
• FEMA: Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (PDF) - Tips to prepare financially, including worksheets for maintaining information you may need.
• NFPA Preparing Your Home for Wildfires - Includes details about the home ignition zone and a checklist.
• US Fire Administration: Take Action - Methods for maintaining a more defensible fire-resistant zone for your property.
• OSU Extension: Use Zone Concept to Protect Home from Wildfires - Oklahoma-specific guidance for creating a defensible fire-resistant zone.
• OID Building a Home Inventory (PDF) - Having a home inventory file can make an insurance claim settlement faster and easier.