'Okie strong:' Logan County family’s hopeful message after losing home to wildfire

Firefighters worked past sundown in Logan County on Monday night. Many homeowners returned to see what was left of their homes since Friday's fire outbreak. 

“It’s just surreal. We’re just taking it day by day,” said Nikki Ray. “I mean – it wasn’t the biggest, it wasn’t the greatest, but it was home. Everywhere you look is memories.” 

Ray’s dad Bobby lived there for 50 years.

“It all came at once and it’s gone,” Bobby Ray said. “It’s just one of them tragedies - try to keep going.” 

Nikki Ray said she won’t forget March 14. 

“Everything was all chaos, and no one knew what was going on,” Ray said. “These winds – they were just so strong that day.” 

Guthrie Fire Chief Dane Lausen couldn’t explain it. 

“It’s just a very unfortunate day,” Lausen said. “Friday was something I'd never seen before.” 

Lausen’s team continued their firefighting efforts late on Monday night.  

“We’re doing what we can with what we have,” Lausen said. 

Ray knew she had to stay strong for her kids. She said no time exists to dwell. 

“I gotta be calm, cool, and collected,” Ray said. “There ain’t no time for tears. not with these rugrats.” 

 A decade ago, Ray said her family lost their home to a tornado and a fire in the same year. 

“It’s not the first time,” Ray said. “You know, pretty much you’re basic Oklahoma lifestyle.” 

Her family’s faith and resolve could be felt as they tallied what could be salvaged. 

“We’ll make it, we’re Okies – born and raised,” Bobby Ray said. 

Nikki Ray was glad everyone made it out okay. 

“You come to terms with it, and you learn, it’s all replaceable,” Ray said. “As long as you got out alive and you got your family that’s what counts. Okie strong.” 

As the Ray family turns the page on their lives, Ray says they’ll live by these words. 

“You’re thankful for what you’ve got left,” Ray said. “We can see the memories. We can live the memories.” 

Ray said her family is thankful for where they’re going and grateful for each other. 

“You take each tragedy as it comes, and you enjoy the good while it’s there,” Ray said.