Data, numbers swirl around contentious claims against Oklahoma Forestry Service

Building on his political momentum related to the state’s wildfire response during the March 14 outbreak, Governor Stitt announced a newly created Wildland Fire Response Working Group. 

In his announcement, Stitt continued to criticize forestry leaders for not providing a “full picture” of what happened on March 14. Stitt also linked to a map displaying the outlay of OFS crews on that day. An ODAFF spokesperson validated the authenticity of the map. 

What’s half? 

In a Tuesday interview on News 9 This Morning, Governor Stitt expanded on previous claims about resources behind held back. 

“I found out we had one forestry person in the Mannford fire,” Stitt said. “That destroyed a bunch of homes, and yet we left 47 people in southeast Oklahoma. And that's when I said, ‘I've got to hold someone accountable.’ As governor, this is unacceptable.” 

According to the map, 86 OFS firefighters were working as of 8 a.m. on March 14. 

But, Governor Stitt seemingly took issue with geographically where resources were deployed. 

Victims lag behind under the cover of politics 

As political tensions brew, with Republican legislative leaders differing from Stitt’s abrasion against forestry, more than 500 Oklahoma families continue to face difficult recoveries. 

“Our routine has been very disrupted,” said Rick Hallowell, who lost his family’s home in Logan County. “So, we’re just trying to manage one day at a time.” 

The Hallowell family also lost two cats in the fires. Rick’s brother lost his home, too. 

“What we’re praying for right now is just some door to open up that would help us to rebuild and have a home again for our family,” he said. 

His family have started a GoFundMe, and are hoping FEMA assistance will be available in the future.