'This is our new norm:' Oklahoma City family leans on faith after losing home in wildfire

The Oklahoma County Assessor’s Office began evaluating properties Thursday following Friday’s wildfires. With several families losing their homes, these assessments could help ease the financial burden.

One Oklahoma City family says their faith will carry them through the uncertainty ahead.

The Mayhues’ home had been a place filled with laughter, Friday movie nights and memories with their six children. Now …“They no longer have their rock wall, they no longer have their swings,” said Morgan Mayhue. “This is our new norm, this is our new life.”

Despite their loss, the Mayhues say their faith is guiding them.

“I have my faith in Jesus, and he restores, so we’re leaning on that,” Mayhue said.

As the family searches for a rental to call home, Oklahoma County Assessor Larry Stein is working to assess the damage—hoping to ease some of the financial strain.

“The properties I’ve seen are more than likely a total loss,” Stein said. “We will be able to reduce the value, which will prevent them from having to pay property taxes for a home they cannot live in.”

Stein says eliminating this burden is a priority.

“Their lives changed so dramatically overnight. Now it’s the number one issue they have to deal with,” he said.

Watching Stein assess the damage, the Mayhues say reality is setting in. Their six children return home Sunday after their spring break vacation.

“We’re going to try to make this rent house the best we can as we rebuild or find something new. This does make it reality. This is our new norm and our new life,” Mayhue said.

Stein says about 40 homes and buildings in Oklahoma County were affected, and assessments will continue in the coming days.