VIAN, OK — A devastating fire at the Choctaw Nation Capitol Grounds in Tuskahoma on July 2, 2025, has left five people injured, including Ely Smith, a resident of Vian who remains in critical condition. The fire broke out around 6:00 p.m., as crews were preparing for the Choctaw Nation’s annual Boom in the Valley Fourth of July celebration.

According to Choctaw Nation spokesperson Randy Sachs, the blaze forced the cancellation of the celebration, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Sachs added, “Please join us in praying for those injured. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.”

Ely Smith Among the Injured

Ely Smith, described by relatives as a kind-hearted and hardworking young man from Vian, suffered third-degree burns, multiple leg fractures, and other severe injuries. He was airlifted to Oklahoma City, where he is currently undergoing multiple surgeries and remains in critical condition.

Two other unnamed individuals were also airlifted to trauma centers in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, while two additional victims were treated at a local hospital and released.

Boom in the Valley Canceled

The Boom in the Valley celebration, which was originally scheduled for Thursday, July 3, was canceled out of respect for the victims and to allow for emergency response teams and investigators to assess the situation fully. The event, hosted annually by the Choctaw Nation, draws attendees from across Oklahoma to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, food, music, and cultural activities.

Community Prayer Circle for Ely Smith and Other Victims

In response to the tragedy, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter at Vian High School has organized a community prayer circle to be held on Thursday, July 3, at 6:00 p.m. in the Landmark parking lot across from Armstrong Park in Vian.

The prayer circle is open to the public and will honor Ely Smith and the other individuals affected by the fire. Community members are encouraged to attend to show support and pray for healing, strength, and recovery.

An FCA spokesperson said, “This is a time for us to come together as a community. Ely and the others need our love, prayers, and strength now more than ever.”

Summary

•Incident: Fire at Choctaw Nation Capitol Grounds, July 2, 2025

•Location: Tuskahoma, Oklahoma

•Injuries: 5 people injured; 3 in critical condition including Ely Smith of Vian

•Victims: Ely Smith airlifted to Oklahoma City with severe burns and injuries

•Event Impact: Boom in the Valley celebration canceled

•Cause of Fire: Still under investigation

•Prayer Circle: July 3 at 6 p.m., Landmark parking lot across from Armstrong Park in Vian

•Organized by: Vian High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

The Choctaw Nation, the town of Vian, and communities across Oklahoma are uniting in prayer and hope for Ely Smith and all those harmed in the fire. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on healing, community strength, and supporting the victims in every way possible.