Oklahoma Emergency Managers Gather in Oklahoma City Amid Wildfires

Annual conference focuses on wildfire response as thousands of acres burn statewide

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Emergency managers from across Oklahoma are meeting in Oklahoma City for a conference on wildfire response, as thousands of acres have already burned across the state. The conference is happening as high fire danger continues, with evacuations issued in Woodward and the Panhandle regions.

Why it matters

Oklahoma has been facing severe wildfires, prompting emergency managers from across the state to gather and discuss coordinated response efforts. The conference allows them to share best practices and strategies for managing these dangerous blazes that are threatening homes and communities.

The details

The conference, attended by 350 people, includes local, county, state, and nonprofit emergency management officials. They are monitoring satellite data, deploying immediate response teams, and coordinating with the Oklahoma Forestry Service to battle the wildfires. The managers are urging residents to call 911 if they see smoke or flames, rather than posting on social media.

  • The conference is taking place on February 18, 2026.
  • Wildfires have been burning across Oklahoma in recent days, prompting evacuations.

The players

Shawn Pierce

Deputy director of Logan County Emergency Management.

Clint Langford

State president of the Oklahoma Emergency Management Association.

Oklahoma Forestry Service

The state agency responding to wildfires across Oklahoma.

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What they’re saying

“It's the topic for all of us and the state right now.”

— Shawn Pierce, Deputy director of Logan County Emergency Management (koco.com)

“From the local government, county government, state government, nonprofit, anyone involved with emergency management.”

— Clint Langford, State president of the Oklahoma Emergency Management Association (koco.com)

What’s next

The conference will continue over the next few days, with emergency managers working to coordinate their response to the ongoing wildfires across Oklahoma.

The takeaway

This gathering of emergency managers from across Oklahoma underscores the severity of the state's wildfire crisis and the need for a coordinated, statewide effort to protect communities and manage these dangerous blazes.