OKC Fire Captain Reflects on Devastating Wildfires

One year after the March 2025 blazes that killed 4 and destroyed hundreds of homes, a local fire official shares his perspective.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:16pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Oklahoma City Fire Captain Scott Douglas sat down with News 4's Adria Goins to discuss the one-year anniversary of the March 2025 wildfires. The event cost four Oklahomans their lives, destroyed nearly 600 homes and thousands of acres according to state emergency management officials.

Why it matters

The 2025 wildfires were some of the most destructive in Oklahoma's history, highlighting the growing threat of extreme weather events driven by climate change. As the state continues to grapple with the aftermath, the reflections of a veteran firefighter provide important insights into the challenges of responding to such large-scale disasters.

The details

Captain Douglas, who has served with the Oklahoma City Fire Department for over 20 years, was on the front lines during the March 2025 wildfires. He described the fires as moving at an 'unprecedented' pace, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. Douglas said his team worked tirelessly to evacuate residents and protect as many homes as possible, but were ultimately overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster.

  • The March 2025 wildfires occurred one year ago, on March 13, 2025.

The players

Scott Douglas

A 20-year veteran of the Oklahoma City Fire Department who served as a captain during the March 2025 wildfires.

Adria Goins

A reporter for News 4, the local NBC affiliate in Oklahoma City.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The fires were moving at an unprecedented pace, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. My team worked around the clock to evacuate residents and protect as many homes as possible, but we were ultimately overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster.”

— Scott Douglas, Oklahoma City Fire Captain (News 4)

What’s next

Captain Douglas indicated that the Oklahoma City Fire Department is working to improve its disaster response capabilities, including investing in new equipment and training, to be better prepared for future extreme weather events.

The takeaway

The 2025 Oklahoma wildfires serve as a sobering reminder of the growing threat of climate change-fueled disasters, and the critical role that first responders play in protecting communities. As the state continues to recover, the reflections of veteran firefighters like Captain Douglas offer important lessons for strengthening emergency preparedness and resilience.