When disaster struck on March 14, Central Rural Electric Cooperative members and the community stood strong. Relentless winds, some exceeding 60 mph, wiped through Central’s service area, fueling fast-moving wildfires that left destruction in its path. 

At the height of the chaos, nearly one-fourth of Central’s membership was left in the dark as flames consumed the service area.

Nearly 150 fires were reported across the state, damaging more than 400 homes and burning 170,000 acres of land.

For five days, linemen worked tirelessly as they identified and replaced more than 160 power poles that were damaged from the high winds and wildfires.  

Gov. Kevin Stitt declared 12 counties in a state of emergency during the disaster. Lincoln, Logan, Oklahoma, Pawnee and Payne counties, all a part of Central’s seven-county service area, were included in the state of emergency. 

Even in the face of devastation, the cooperative spirit burned brighter than the embers. Crews worked around the clock, battling hazardous conditions to restore power, while neighbors helped neighbors, and first responders risked everything to protect lives and homes. 

In the aftermath of the destruction, recovery is just beginning for many of our members. To support those who suffered property damage, the Central Community Foundation is stepping in with disaster relief grants to provide critical assistance for those affected by the disaster. 

These grants are available to residents within Central’s seven-county service area who lost their homes, ensuring that those in need have access to financial aid as they navigate the road to recovery. 

Central and the Central Community Foundation stand together, committed to helping our members and communities through the devastation. 

If you would like to donate toward the grants, learn more or apply for funding, visit here.