03/10/2026
It's been a wild year. Looking back at the support that the people gave during that catastrophe is sure humbling. We are so thankful for the people across the state that helped us raise over $42,000 for fire victims in Payne county. Without support from across the state it wouldn't have happened. From musicians to food vendors to individuals that gave their time. Everyone helped how they could and it made a big difference.
And thank you to all of the fire departments that came and helped that day and the days following.
Support your local fire departments.
Support your local businesses.
Support your community.
Because, when disaster happens, that's who is going to be there supporting you.
Cut your cedar trees!
Prescribed burns help prevent wildfires!
Remembering the March 14 Fires, One Year Later
This week, on the eve of the Mid South, we reflect on the first anniversary of the March 14 fires that impacted so many across our community.
On that day, Ingalls Fire Department responded to 11 separate fires as extreme fire conditions rapidly spread across Payne County and surrounding areas. Within the first hour, one of our brush trucks was already on scene in Stillwater assisting with the Cottonwood/Range fire, where our firefighters remained overnight to support suppression efforts. Other responses that day included fires in the Glencoe area, the Ripley/Cushing area, and several fires on the eastern side of Stillwater.
Although we were fortunate not to have any significant fires within our own district that day, we are grateful to be a small part of the Stillwater community and to serve alongside our neighboring departments across the area to keep our friends and neighbors safe.
We were thankful for the opportunity to assist during such a challenging day. Our hearts go out to the more than 200 families who lost their homes and the countless others whose lives were impacted by the fires.
We remain incredibly grateful for the teamwork and support from our community partners, including Stillwater Fire Department, City of Stillwater Emergency Management SEMA, Ripley Fire Department, Yale Fire Department, Cushing Oklahoma Fire Department, Payne County Sheriff's Office, Payne County Emergency Management, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, American Red Cross of Oklahoma.
We are also deeply thankful for the support that poured in from the community that day and in the days that followed. Construction companies and ranchers brought water tankers to help refill crews in the field, gas stations such as OnCue Express and Country C provided food and drinks to firefighters at no charge, and Red Rock Bakery & Deli, Duncan Catering Co., and Bad Brad's Bar-B-Q provided hot meals. Dozens of community members dropped off donations both at our station and at the Payne County Fairgrounds.
In the weeks following the fires, donations also came in from several individuals whose homes were protected by IFD’s efforts that day, as well as support from the Stillwater Strong: Red Dirt Rising concert and fundraiser co-hosted by Bad Brad's Bar-B-Q, The Twelves, Finnegan's Fighting Goat, The Great White Buffalo Tavern, The Dirty Rooster, and Duncan Catering Co.
Moments like these remind us how strong our community truly is when we come together.
Thank you to everyone who stood together that day and helped our neighbors begin to recover.
Together, we are
