Oklahoma
Q&A: Advice for homeowners as Eastern Red Cedar helps fuel Oklahoma wildfires
Since Friday, fires have burned through thousands of acres, destroyed hundreds of homes, and have taken at least four lives. Dry conditions, high winds, and one Oklahoma tree have fanned the flames.
Q: How does the Eastern Red Cedar affect communities?
A: The water off Arcadia Lake has been the antidote to nature’s insidious plans across Oklahoma. People captured images of Bridger Aerospace’s firefighting planes scooping water from the lake. Those planes dumped the water onto a fire a few miles Northeast on Monday.
A tree along the lake’s banks and beyond helped fuel those fires – the Eastern Red Cedar. The Easter Red Cedar is filled with volatile oils that make it ignite and burn easily.
“It is impacting all the citizens of Oklahoma,” said John Weir, senior extension specialist of Natural Resource Ecology & Management at Oklahoma State University Extension. “They’re a native invasive.”
Q: Why are there so many cedar trees in Oklahoma?
A: Weir said the Eastern Red Cedar was overplanted in the early 1900s and invaded places they wouldn’t be under natural circumstances. The past week revealed the consequences as wildfires plagued several communities.
“I’m not a supporter or lover of cedar that’s for sure,” Weir said.
Weir spent Tuesday monitoring a piece of land owned by OSU that felt the fires’ impact.
“We’re just out here keeping an eye on it – making sure nothing flares back up,” Weir said.
Q: What efforts exist to mitigate cedar trees?
A: State conversation efforts aim to reduce the tree’s population. House Bill 2162 is a proposed law making its way through the Oklahoma state legislature. Its goal is to reduce the growing threat of wildfires by tackling the overpopulation of red cedar trees. The responsibility also rests on homeowners.
“Prescribed fire is one of the best ways to control Eastern Red Cedar,” Weir said. “My total recommendation is – get rid of all of them.”
Q: How can homeowners reduce fire risk?
A: John said if homeowners don’t want to get rid of the red cedars altogether, they should prune them from the ground up by at least five feet. That way a potential fire can’t flow into the canopies of the trees so easily.
“Definitely keep cedars back and away from any kind of building structures,” Weir said.
Weir said to keep doors and windows closed on any structure and keep flammable items away from buildings. He said wooden security fences can pose a risk along with wood piles if they are close to homes.
Q: Who should homeowners contact if they want to remove red cedars?
A: Weir recommended people contact their county extension office or the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. That state has several programs in place to help control red cedars and limit fire risk.
“There’s several that are working have knowledge [to] help remove cedars either mechanically, with fire, and however we can get that done,” Weir said.
Oklahoma’s rich history is heading back to the silver screen with a major new Hollywood production, and it has officially found its star-studded cast.
According to an exclusive report from Deadline, The Lord of the Rings star and SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin is set to star alongside Emmy winner Jeremy Piven (Entourage) and Oscar nominee Lorraine Bracco (The Sopranos) in the upcoming high school sports drama, Will to Win.
The film is making history as the very first movie project to be officially endorsed by the family of early Hollywood icon, Cherokee Nation citizen, and “Oklahoma’s Favorite Son,” Will Rogers.
The Story Behind Will to Win
The movie—which is currently filming on location in Oklahoma and Vancouver, British Columbia—is adapted from the book by author Jim Stovall and directed by Sean McNamara (Reagan).
The drama centers on a young Chickasaw softball player, played by Isabel DeRoy-Olson (Three Pines), who faces an uphill battle after moving to a new high school with no softball team. Determined to play, she joins the boys’ baseball team with the support of a compassionate coach (Astin).
Her spot on the team is quickly threatened by a school board president (Piven) determined to remove her. To help navigate the challenges, the young athlete begins having vivid, imaginary conversations with Will Rogers himself, who guides her through life’s hurdles using his signature wit and wisdom.
Keeping it Local and Authentic
The production features strong local ties and a deep commitment to Native representation. Tulsa-based Kirkpatrick & Kinslow Productions is producing the film alongside Brookwell McNamara Entertainment and in collaboration with Chickasaw Nation Productions.
Acclaimed Comanche filmmaker Jhane Myers (Prey, 1883) serves as an executive producer, while Indigenous actress Stefany Mathias (Prey) joins the cast as the young girl’s grandmother.
For the family of Will Rogers, endorsing a film for the first time was all about keeping his legacy alive for a new generation.
“While we have been approached many times in the past about producing movies, this is the first time the family has endorsed a movie project,” Will Rogers’ great-granddaughter, Jennifer Rogers Etcheverry, told Deadline. “We are thrilled to see that audiences in the 21st century will learn about the impact of Will Rogers on the world.”
Keep an eye out for updates on local release dates and production highlights right here on News on 6.
RELATED STORIES: Coming Soon: ‘Will to Win’ Movie Celebrates Oklahoma’s Favorite Son Will Rogers
OKLAHOMA CITY (KSWO) – The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture is taking proactive steps to prevent the spread of New World Screwworm into Oklahoma.
The Department issued new animal movement restrictions today.
Anyone transporting livestock into Oklahoma from an “infested zone” must get a permit from the State Veterinarians Office.
They must also have a CVI that states the animals have all been individually inspected and found free of the worm.
The Department says no confirmed cases of Screwworm have been reported in Oklahoma but they are working with the USDA to monitor the pest’s spread.
Copyright 2026 KSWO. All rights reserved.
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) — Crime Stoppers of Southwest Oklahoma is set to host a Dice Run fundraiser on Saturday.
Registration will begin at 9 a.m. with the first bike out set for 9:30 a.m.
The ride will begin at Diamondback Harley-Davidson in Lawton and head to the first stop at Kochendorfer Brewery in Duncan. Riders will then head to Cotton Blossom Winery in Marlow, then Rising Eagle Brewery in Elgin, to Bootleggers in Medicine Park and back to Diamondback Harley-Davidson.
The last bike in is set for 2 p.m.
The cost to participate is $20 per bike with an extra $10 for additional riders or passengers.
The event will also feature cash and door prizes, a raffle, food trucks and live music.
Copyright 2026 KSWO. All rights reserved.
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