Wildfire in Texas, Oklahoma

The Side Road Fire ignited on the afternoon of February 17, 2026, in Texas County, Oklahoma as a result of dry fuels, low humidity and wind gusts exceeding 60mph. The fire started near U.S. Highway 54, approximately 5 miles west of Tyrone and north of Guymon. This fire started as the result of a seven car accident that occurred on as a result of poor visibility from smoke from the nearby Stevens Fire. The Side Road fire burned 3680 acres. Mandatory evacuations were issued for the community of Tyrone and surrounding areas on February 17th and were lifted on February 21st, and US Highway 54 was closed between Hooker and Tyrone during the height of the fire due to smoke and emergency equipment. At least six homes were destroyed off Highway 56 and Road D.

A strong upper level weather system moved across the High Plains region and brought down very strong winds to the surface from the late morning to the late afternoon on February 17, 2026. Many locations across the Oklahoma Panhandle observed wind gusts o 60mph or greater. These strong winds brought blowing dust and extreme critical fire weather conditions as well. Several wildfires developed due to the dry grasses, low relative humidity and high wind gusts. One wildfire in Beaver County burned into Kansas and consumed over 200,000 acres.