Woodward, Oklahoma – Thousands of residents in Woodward, about 140 miles northwest of Oklahoma City, have been urged to evacuate as wildfires fueled by warm, dry, and windy conditions rage across the region.

Matt Lehenbauer, director of emergency management for Woodward, said roughly 4,000 people—nearly one-third of the city’s population of 12,000—are being advised to leave. The evacuation is voluntary, as Oklahoma law prohibits mandatory orders.

“The wildfire in Woodward is approaching a worst-case scenario,” Lehenbauer said, though flames have not yet reached the city’s most populated areas.

Meanwhile, a separate blaze in Beaver County at the base of the Oklahoma Panhandle has consumed an estimated 15,000 acres. Video released by Oklahoma Forestry Services shows golden farmland dwarfed by roiling flames and thick smoke moving like a thunderstorm.

“The fire in Beaver County is continuing to spread,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “Winds are gusting over 65 mph.” Stitt added that he was being briefed at the State Emergency Operations Center, which is monitoring multiple fires, including one in Texas County.

Unusually warm temperatures, up to 25 degrees above normal, combined with gusting southwest winds of more than 60 mph, have fueled the fires across western and northwestern Oklahoma.

The Beaver County fire crossed into Kansas on Tuesday, with firefighting efforts focused near the city of Englewood. Gov. Laura Kelly issued an emergency proclamation warning of dangerous fire conditions through Thursday.

It remains unclear whether any injuries or structural damage have occurred.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download