This is the heart-wrenching moment a herd of deer fled through fields as wildfires spread in Oklahoma.

Dramatic footage shows the animals running away and leaping over fences near Selman on Friday, March 14.

Local media reported that the flames may have claimed hundreds of homes, as extreme fire weather and powerful winds fueled over 130 wildfires across the state.

The disaster prompted a state of emergency and forced widespread evacuations. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management coordinated response efforts to assist affected residents.

The wildfire was triggered by a historic storm that swept across the country. Officials reported that at least 40 people were killed in the devastating weather event.

Twelve deaths were reported in Missouri, eight in Kansas, six in Mississippi, four in Texas, three in Arkansas, two in Alabama, and four in Oklahoma.