Wildfire in Washington County Burns 1,400 Acres, Family Praises Volunteer Firefighters

Ochelata family credits volunteer firefighters for saving their home as strong winds fueled the blaze

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A wildfire in Washington County, Oklahoma burned through 1,400 acres on Thursday, forcing evacuations in the Ochelata area. One family says they rushed home to gather their pets after authorities ordered evacuations, but their home was ultimately spared thanks to the quick response of volunteer firefighters.

Why it matters

Wildfires are an increasing threat in Oklahoma due to climate change, and this incident highlights the crucial role that volunteer fire departments play in protecting rural communities, especially on high fire danger days with strong winds. The story also underscores the challenges these underfunded departments face in securing resources to keep their communities safe.

The details

The Ochelata Fire Department, which has 17 volunteer firefighters, responded quickly to the blaze on Thursday. Fire Chief Kelly Nissen said the department was already on alert due to the high fire danger conditions. Despite the chaotic situation, the firefighters were able to prevent the flames from spreading into the town. Nissen estimated around 1,400 acres were burned, and more than a dozen agencies assisted in the firefighting efforts.

  • The wildfire broke out on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • Firefighters remained on the scene late into the night monitoring for any new flare-ups.

The players

Ross Faith

A resident who lives in the Ochelata area with his family, whose home was spared from the wildfire.

Kelly Nissen

The fire chief of the Ochelata Fire Department, which is an all-volunteer force.

Ochelata Fire Department

A volunteer fire department that responded quickly to the wildfire and worked to protect the community, despite being self-funded and having no paid firefighters.

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What they’re saying

“It was less than a mile. Probably half a mile.”

— Ross Faith (newson6.com)

“Fortunately, we were all down here at the station working on these trucks because there was a high fire danger day. So when the call came out, we were sitting here ready to go. So, we got there pretty quick.”

— Kelly Nissen, Fire Chief, Ochelata Fire Department (newson6.com)

“We get nothing. We're self-funded. Nobody gets paid anything. All these trucks, all of our equipment — from donations, grants. So everything we get, we have to fight for it. The guys are doing it because they love it, and they want to do it.”

— Kelly Nissen, Fire Chief, Ochelata Fire Department (newson6.com)

What’s next

The Ochelata Fire Department will continue to monitor the area for any lingering hotspots or new flare-ups, and the community will likely discuss ways to better support the volunteer firefighters and their equipment needs.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the vital role that volunteer fire departments play in protecting rural communities from the growing threat of wildfires, even as they face significant resource challenges. The Ochelata firefighters' quick response and dedication saved a family's home, demonstrating the importance of these selfless volunteers.