This has been a difficult time for many in and near our House district and much of Oklahoma. Wildfires spread by incredibly strong winds devastated much of the state, and several fires were still burning at the time of this writing.
Four people died in Garfield, Haskell, Lincoln and Pawnee counties. About 200 people were injured and more than 400 homes had been damaged or totally destroyed, not to mention barns and other structures. More than 179,000 acres had burned.
My heart goes out to those who suffered the loss of a loved one or the total loss of their property. This is incredibly hard to bear. I want to thank our firefighters and first responders and the volunteers who've rushed to put out these fires and help those affected.
If anyone needs further assistance, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management has a good list of resources and updates. The Oklahoma Insurance Department also is offering assistance. The governor declared an emergency for 12 counties in the state, including Logan and Oklahoma counties. This will free up some immediate assistance. The attorney general has enacted the Emergency Price Stabilization Act to avoid price gouging. As with any disaster, be on the lookout for fraudulent contractors who seek to take advantage of times such as this. Report any fraud to the AG's Consumer Protection Hotline: (833) 681-1895. And please continue to be very cautious about lighting any fires.
This is a very challenging time, but Oklahomans have proven time and again they are resilient. I'm confident neighbors will help neighbors, and we will get through this.
On a lighter note, I participated this week in a fun event that benefits some of our young FFA and 4-H members. Each year, the Oklahoma Youth Expo holds a Celebrity and Legislative Showmanship event. Legislators and other state officials show an animal raised by a student from our districts. I showed a heifer for Sadie Plagg with Guthrie FFA.
This event helps raise money for scholarships for participants. OYE is the world's largest junior livestock show, drawing about 7,000 youth from ages eight to 19. It's a great opportunity for youth to get to show off the animals they've raised or the mechanical agriculture projects they've created to compete for the title of Grand Champion. It's a good way to celebrate their hard work.
Last week was spring break for students throughout the state, and many legislators invited their spouses and children or grandchildren to visit the Capitol. I got to introduce my wife and four children from the House floor. It was very special to get to share this moment with them.
This is deadline week. We have until March 27 to pass House bills over to the Senate. Then we'll begin hearing bills from that chamber.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at (405) 557-7350 or collin.duel@okhouse.gov if I can ever be of service to you.