Oklahoma's wildfire response improvements from Gov. Stitt

On Friday, Gov. Kevin Stitt's Wildfire Response Working Group released its first list of recommendations aimed at improving wildfire response in Oklahoma. This group was established following the devastating fires in March and the governor's decision to dismiss the state forestry director.

Q: What are the key challenges identified in the wildfire response report?

A: The report highlights significant challenges, including poor communication between agencies, lack of radio compatibility, and delays in deploying assistance. It also points out severe staffing shortages in rural fire departments and emphasizes the need for better planning, coordination, and support for first responders.

Q: What does Chief Michael Kelley from the Barnsdall Fire Department have to say about the state’s handling of wildfire responses?

A: Chief Kelley, a firefighter with 20 years of experience, expressed his disagreement with the state’s approach to the emergency response. He believes rural fire departments do their best under difficult conditions, particularly with low humidity and high winds during wildfires.

Q: What are the three priorities for the future outlined in the report?

A: The report emphasizes three main priorities:

1. Enhancing state and local coordination.

2. Focusing on wildfire mitigation and community resilience.

3. Improving recruitment, retention, and training for first responders.

Q: How does Chief Kelley view the importance of resource management and communication?

A: Chief Kelley stresses that effective resource management and communication are vital for wildfire response, especially for volunteer-based departments. He notes that while rural teams are trained and experienced, they need more support from the state to manage resources effectively.

Q: What did Wagoner County Emergency PIO Matt Rose say about funding for rural fire departments?

A: Matt Rose highlighted that many rural fire departments rely heavily on funding, as some do not receive tax dollars from the county or state. He believes that support from task forces is crucial for these departments to operate effectively.

Q: What is the outlook for the future of Oklahoma's wildfire response, according to emergency managers?

A: Rose expressed optimism about the recommendations from the governor's task force. He stated that emergency managers across Oklahoma are excited about the next six months and the potential improvements that could come from the fire service panel.

In addition to the priorities mentioned, the governor’s group also recommended upgrading technology, including radios and communication systems, to enhance collaboration among first responders from different departments.

The task force's final report is expected later this year, and we look forward to seeing the proposed changes to improve wildfire response in Oklahoma.