Well, if you’ve stepped outside lately, you’ve likely noticed that Oklahoma’s weather has been absolutely insane since Friday. I mean, the wind has been kicking up so much red dirt it’s like the state decided to give us a free dust storm with every breath we take. To make matters worse, this wild wind has fueled wildfires across the state, and it’s been a nightmare for firefighters—many of whom I work with in my day job.
It seems like every year, winter weather in Oklahoma throws something at us that makes us question why we choose to live here. But this past weekend? It was like nature went full throttle. The wind gusts were so strong, they’ve caused some serious destruction, including the loss of my childhood home and family church in Mannford, Oklahoma.
When the Wind Blows Too Hard
To say the wind’s been bad would be an understatement. It’s been so fierce that I honestly feel like we’re being sandblasted by the earth itself. Gusts up to 50 mph (and higher in some places) have been reported, and those winds aren’t just rattling the trees—they’re feeding the flames of wildfires across the state. We saw several wildfires break out in multiple counties, with the strong winds quickly spreading the fires from field to field, devouring everything in their path. It’s like the wind is an unseen force, just whipping through and fanning the flames, making everything worse.
If you’ve been keeping track of the news, Oklahoma City had a scorched skyline on Friday, with the red dirt in the air so thick you could almost taste it. The photo, which my girlfriend took, that I’ve included from downtown really captures how the atmosphere was almost apocalyptic in the worst way. It felt like the state was flooded with dust—except this time, it wasn’t the usual dry dirt we’re used to. It was all mixed up with the scent of smoke, burning fields, and destruction. It was hard to tell where the storm ended and the wildfires began.
A Personal Impact: Loss and Destruction
This weekend wasn’t just about watching the fire rage across the state on TV—it was personal. My childhood home burned down, and it’s a tough thing to swallow. But more than that, my family’s childhood church in Mannford also burned down. That church holds a lot of history, not just for me, but for the entire community. It’s been a place of memories, family gatherings, and growth. Losing it in a fire this weekend felt like a punch to the gut. It wasn’t just a building—it was part of who we are.
Now, on top of dealing with that emotional blow, I’ve also got to deal with my own backyard. The wind didn’t stop with the fires—it tore up my entire covered patio area. The whole thing disintegrated—and it was made of cloth! Seriously, I went out there to check on it, and it was like the wind had ripped it from its frame like a bad magic trick. At least the rest of the house is still standing. But I’ll be adding a new backyard project to my to-do list once this mess settles down.
A Massive Burden on Our Firefighters
Working with firefighters every day, I’ve seen firsthand how these wildfires are an added burden during the winter months. Firefighters are already stretched thin dealing with cold weather emergencies, but when high winds and wildfires are thrown into the mix, it’s a whole other level of challenge. The volunteer fire departments and first responders are doing everything they can to keep up with the increasing number of calls. They’re working long shifts, battling flames with limited resources, and facing weather conditions that make every fire that much harder to contain.
But what’s also heartbreaking is that these fires are so often preventable. Some are sparked by discarded cigarette butts, burning leaves, or even people driving over tall grass. And with winds so strong, it only takes one little spark for a catastrophic fire to ignite.
What to Do When the Wind Blows Like This
If there’s one thing this weather has taught me, it’s that you can’t ever be too prepared. Make sure you have a fire safety plan in place and know how to safely protect your home or business. With these strong winds, wildfires can spread faster than you think. Don’t wait for an emergency to start thinking about safety measures like fireproofing your yard, removing dry brush, or creating fire breaks around your property. These actions can make all the difference when the wind is blowing at full force.
And for all of us living in Oklahoma, don’t forget to check the air quality, especially when the winds are blowing like this. The red dirt and smoke particles can make it difficult to breathe, especially for people with respiratory issues. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Hope Amidst the Chaos
I won’t sugarcoat it—this weekend was rough. But Oklahoma’s resilience is always something that gets me through times like these. Despite the losses and destruction, there’s a sense of community that thrives here. People are pulling together, and we’ll rebuild, just like we always do. The wildfires may have caused damage, but they won’t break our spirit.
As for the wind, we’ll all be a little more grateful for a calm, gentle breeze next time we see one. Until then, stay safe, check in on each other, and let’s hope for calmer weather in the coming days.
