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Wildfires that erupted in Oklahoma on Friday have resulted in four fatalities and 142 reported injuries. The fires, fueled by high winds, scorched over 170,000 acres and damaged or destroyed nearly 300 homes across the state. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the deaths, which occurred in Lincoln, Garfield, Haskell, and Pawnee counties. Among the deceased is Allen Ferguson, a youth wrestling coach from Chandler, who died from severe burns.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported that hospitals across the state treated 142 individuals for fire-related injuries. These included burns, cuts, and injuries from falls. Some injuries were transportation-related, while others were due to being struck by objects or were classified as "other fire-related" injuries.
Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency for 12 counties, including Cleveland, Creek, Dewey, and Lincoln, among others. This declaration allows for the suspension of certain regulations to expedite relief efforts. The state of emergency will remain in effect for 30 days. The Emergency Price Stabilization Act is also in effect to prevent price gouging on essential goods and services.
Officials have confirmed that at least 400 homes were damaged by the fires. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is working with federal agencies to assess the damage. Governor Stitt has been actively involved, visiting the emergency operations center and planning to survey the affected areas.