In another turn because of the wildfires which ravaged parts of Oklahoma in mid-March, Governor Kevin Stitt has organized the Wildland Fire Response Working Group. Its mission will be to develop recommendations to enhance Oklahoma’s wildfire mitigation, suppression, and recovery capabilities.
The wildfires began on March 14, killing four people and destroying nearly 600 homes.
Stitt asked for the Oklahoma Forestry Services Director Mark Goeller’s resignation and criticized the agency’s failure to triage the fires around the state. In a release announcing the formation of the Working Group, a map was provided that showed the pre-positioning of Forestry firefighting personnel. That map can be found here.
Stitt’s Luther property was damaged by wildfire, as well.
The Governor has set six objectives for the Working Group. They are to enhance interagency coordination, advance wildfire mitigation efforts, leverage grant and federal funding, partner with private sector and stakeholders, engage academic and research institutions, and collaborate with the Legislature.
“The fires we saw last month were a tragic reminder of how quickly these events escalate, and how essential it is that our response is fast, unified, and backed by every tool available,” said Stitt. “This working group will ensure Oklahoma is not just reacting, but leading the way with innovative, proactive wildfire strategies.”
Stitt has named Secretary of Public Safety Tricia Everest and Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur to co-lead the Working Group.
They are expected to meet within the next 30 days and provide a report to Stitt and the Legislature in six months.
