More than 155,000 acres in Oklahoma have burned due to multiple fires in the western part of the state. About half of the state is currently under a red flag warning due to dry conditions. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has declared a state of emergency in several counties in the western part of the state, which includes the Panhandle area.

About 700 residents in the small town of Tyrone, Oklahoma, were under evacuation orders and asked to relocate across state lines into Kansas. Crews are also working to get fires near Amarillo, Texas, and Kansas under control.

Wildfires can create wide-ranging health risks, with impacts occurring far from the fire line. Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles from active fires. Particulates in the air can create respiratory issues for young children and older adults, people who work outdoors, and those who have pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. People displaced from their homes may also find themselves in medical crisis without medications needed to manage chronic conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.

Direct Relief staff continues to monitor the blazes, and has extensive experience responding to wildfires across the U.S., and maintains a stockpile of medical essentials often requested during fires, including N95 respirators, ophthalmic and respiratory medications, and products to support people displaced by emergencies.

The organization will respond to requests as they become known.