Latest news with #OklahomaForestryService
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Oklahoma governor backs down on forestry abolishment proposal after backlash
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday suggests elimination of the Oklahoma Forestry Service, criticizing its response to historic wildfires that swept across the state last month. His remarks were made during his weekly briefing with reporters in the Blue Room at the Capitol. (photo by Barbara Hoberock/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY – A key legislative leader said Tuesday he is pleased that Gov. Kevin Stitt has backed off his call to abolish the Forestry Service following historic March wildfires. During a Tuesday interview with Oklahoma City television station News 9, the Republican governor said he no longer plans to abolish that state agency tasked with wildland fire detection and preserving the state's forests. Stitt's about-face came less than a day after he doubled down on his controversial call to shutter the agency and reallocate the funding to volunteer fire departments. 'It's encouraging to hear the governor's shifting position of abolishing the forestry department,' said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. 'I think Oklahomans said loud and clear that is not a good idea.' Stitt told the television station Tuesday that he threatened to close the Forestry Service because his administration was not getting answers about the deployment of resources. 'Listen, we are not going to get rid of forestry,' Stitt told the station on Tuesday. 'I love our forestry. Those guys are doing what they are told. The bureaucracy at the top, their management let them down by not deploying them accurately.' He told the TV station Tuesday that he had fired 'a couple more people at the top level at forestry because – they were – it was insubordination.' Stitt said Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur could not get answers from administrators in Forestry Services for three weeks. Stitt's office did not respond to Oklahoma Voice's requests for comment on Tuesday. During a press availability last week, Stitt first expressed frustration over how the agency responded to historic wildfires that began March 14. He lost a ranch in the fires. Nearly 158 wildfires swept across the state, killing four and destroying more than 500 homes. Stitt has previously said he fired the agency's head, Mark Goeller, who denied wrongdoing. Many have expressed support for Goeller. 'I didn't think they did a really good job,' Stitt said last week. 'Here's the deal. Why do I even have a Department of Forestry? Let's just get rid of the whole thing.' Goeller could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Stitt's remarks drew criticism from legislative leaders, including Hilbert, and local and volunteer fire departments. When asked about Stitt's claims that other Forestry Service leaders had been disciplined, Kirsten Hollansworth, a spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, said Tuesday that the agency does not comment on personnel matters. Stitt was also asked why he didn't declare a burn ban. 'It didn't hit the threshold at that point, is what they told me,' Stitt said. Stitt's office did not respond to a question from Oklahoma Voice on Tuesday about whether he was out of town in March. A Tulsa television station reported that Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, was acting governor during a portion of the fires. While Stitt has said half of the resources were not deployed, his office did not respond to a request for additional information. Stitt's office said Tuesday afternoon in a press release that he had formed a fire response working group to 'enhance Oklahoma's wildfire mitigation, suppression, and recovery capabilities.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers balk at suggestion to eliminate Oklahoma Forestry Service after historic wildfires
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday suggests elimination of the Oklahoma Forestry Service, criticizing its response to historic wildfires that swept across the state last month. His remarks were made during his weekly briefing with reporters in the Blue Room at the Capitol. (photo by Barbara Hoberock/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislative leaders on Thursday panned Gov. Kevin Stitt's proposal to eliminate the state Forestry Service after the Republican criticized its response to wildfires last month. The legislative remarks came a day after Stitt told reporters he wanted to axe the agency amid frustrations about its response to wind-fueled wildfires that ripped through parts of the state, damaging or destroying over 400 homes. Stitt said he lost a ranch in the blaze. He later fired Mark Goeller, the head of the Oklahoma Forestry Service. Goeller has said nothing was held back after Stitt criticized his agency's response. The agency is responsible for preserving the state's forests and is the primary state body responsible for wildland fire detection, prevention and suppression. Several firefighters have defended how Goeller handled the historic wave of fires that swept across the state. Stitt on Wednesday said officials can't get answers about where the resources were and questioned why the state had the agency, which takes up 33% of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry's budget to the tune of $75 million a year. He suggested getting rid of it or giving a portion of the funds directly to local fire departments. Republican lawmakers on Thursday criticized the suggestion. 'It sounds like a really bad idea to me,' said Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, a longtime volunteer fire firefighter. Paxton said the Legislature created the Forestry Service, adding that it is a useful tool for the state. He said he has had no conversation with Stitt about abolishing it. It would have been a more prudent course of action to issue a burn ban earlier, Paxton said. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, said elimination of forestry services is 'unacceptable.' Hilbert said he and other lawmakers are hearing from firefighters in their districts 'who are frankly furious about what has happened and the insult not only to the Department of Forestry but also to the fire service in general.' The state needs to fully fund and staff the positions in the Oklahoma Forestry Service, Hilbert said. The mid-March fires left four dead and injured 200 people, according to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. A state of emergency was declared for 12 counties. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Slap in the face': Firefighters react to Gov. Stitt firing state forester
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Firefighters are speaking out following Governor Kevin Stitt's controversial decision to remove the state's top forestry official. Mark Goeller was appointed as the state forester and director of the Oklahoma Forestry Service in 2018 and has over 40 years of experience leading from the front lines. Governor Kevin Stitt says he was not happy with the state's wildfire response. 'He's the head of the forestry department, and we had a horrible, horrible wildfire in the state of Oklahoma and, you know, didn't think they did a really good job,' said Stitt. Pastor, disaster relief organization tour Logan County wildfire damage Firefighters are in shock over those remarks. 'It's like a knee-jerk reaction, you know, politics pointing the finger and blame game,' said Todd Beesley, Fire Chief with the Wellston Fire Department. 'It was like a slap in the face to all of us because if the forestry service didn't do a good enough job, then us as the fire department didn't do a good enough job,' said Jason Dobson, Fire Chief with the Olive Fire Department. Firefighters say the preparation was there. The forestry service started educating the public, pre-positioning equipment, and bringing in extra resources well in advance. With such a historic weather day, firefighters say there was only so much that could be done. 'Unfortunately, the one that we have to blame is Mother Nature. That's the only one we have to blame for this event,' said Dobson. Firefighters say they have many questions for the governor about his decision. 'Does his decision have something to do with his home burning down?' said Dobson. Dobson also asked why the governor's office did not issue a statewide burn ban. Volunteers give necessities to Oklahomans impacted by fires News 4 reached out to Gov. Stitt and was sent the following statement Friday afternoon: Oklahoma just faced the worst wildfire in our state's history. Over 515 families lost their homes. When lives are on the line, every resource must be deployed without hesitation. It became clear that didn't happen. At the forestry director's direction, firefighting resources were delayed, unused, or even called back during critical moments. That's unacceptable. For this reason, he has been relieved of duty. We are committed to rebuilding stronger and that starts with rebuilding trust in the agencies that are meant to protect us. Gov. Kevin Stitt Attorney General Getner Drummond is also speaking out against the decision. It should be inconceivable to think that the courage, skill and herculean work of firefighters across the state would be rewarded with the sudden and inexplicable ouster of Director Goeller. Honestly, the Governor's action is baffling. While the wildfires that swept through our state this month exacted a heavy toll, the death and devastation would have been far, far worse without the strong coordinated effort of firefighters and Oklahoma Forestry Services. Director Goeller is a seasoned professional who is highly regarded in his field. He – and all those who battled the fires – have earned the gratitude and respect of Oklahomans. It is outrageous that the Governor's response to their bravery would be to push out the director mere weeks after that deadly firestorm. Attorney General Getner Drummond Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Wildfires in Oklahoma 2025: See live map of active fires in Oklahoma
Oklahoma remains in a state of emergency after dozens of fires spread across the state through the weekend. The east central portion of Oklahoma suffered the most fires, burning almost 2,000 acres of land, according to data from Oklahoma Forestry Services. On Monday alone, over 2,500 acres of wildfires burned throughout Oklahoma. This includes six fires in the northeast, seven in the east-central, and five in the southeast. The east-central portion of Oklahoma suffered the most, with 1,971.9 acres. Oklahoma Forestry Services has provided daily statistics on which fires burned throughout the state and the severity of each. Many of the fires are mostly contained, but some remain under 50% containment. Here's a look at some of the ongoing fires in Oklahoma: Track the latest wildfire and smoke information in Oklahoma with data that is updated frequently based on input from several incident and intelligence sources. If you can't see the map below, please click here. Here are the ongoing large and significant fires happening within the Oklahoma Forestry Service's protection area: Ketcher Hollow Fire (Latimer County) – 101 Acres / 70% Contained Black Fox Fire (Sequoyah County) – 106 Acres / 65% Contained Cherry Tree Fire (Adair County) – 109.0 Acres / 80% Contained Big Draw Fire (McCurtain County) – 146.4 Acres / 100% Contained Doublehead South Fire (Adair County) – 150 Acres / 50% Contained Dirty Pine Fire (Pushmataha County) – 157 Acres / 50% Contained Tully Hollow Fire (Adair County) – 205 Acres / 75% Contained Brushy Church Fire (Pittsburg County) – 240 Acres / 85% Contained Low Gap Lookout Fire (Haskell County) – 394 Acres / 90% Contained Venison Hollow Fire (Adair County) – 402 Acres / 70% Contained Hamby Ridge Fire (Delaware County) – 706 Acres / 100% Contained Plan B Fire (Latimer County) – 800 Acres / 50% Contained Flying J Fire (Latimer County) – 1,154 Acres / 50% Contained The following spots are areas outside of Oklahoma Forestry Service Protection Area: Ranch Creek Road Fire (Pawnee County) – 513 Acres / 25% Contained 1980 Road Fire (Beckham County) – 2,000 Acres / 65% Contained Camargo Fire (Dewey County) – 5,725 Acres / 40% Contained Hickory Hills Fire (Oklahoma County) – 6,643 Acres / 35% Contained Euchee Valley Fire (Payne County) – 8,512 Acres / 65% Contained Hellroaring Creek Fire (Pawnee County) – 10,186 Acres / 80% Contained Little Salt Creek Fire (Pawnee County) – 11,190 Acres / 25% Contained 840 Road Fire (Roger Mills/Dewey County) – 27,855 Acres / 40% Contained 33 Road Fire (Logan/Payne Counties) – 32,990.6 Acres/50 Structures / 25% Contained This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Where are fires in Oklahoma right now? See map of active fires, alerts
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Wildfires around Payne County burn more than 3,000 acres
According to the Oklahoma Forestry Service, more than 3,000 acres have burned in the fire that destroyed homes and structures southwest of Stillwater. Stillwater Communications Director Dawn Dodson said Gov. Kevin Stitt was touring the affected areas this morning. Stitt declared a state of emergency for 12 counties: Cleveland, Creek, Dewey, Grady, Lincoln, Logan, Oklahoma, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie, Roger Mills and Stephens. Stillwater Emergency Management reports that evacuation areas have been initially re-assed but are only residents may return to mandatory evacuation areas and have been closed to the general public. "Primary concerns for residents returning to their homes, include possible fires that may rekindle, nearby hotspots, open gas lines, down power lines, unstable structures (ex. chimneys) that could fall, and other unsafe conditions," SEMA wrote. "If these conditions are observed or an emergency response is needed, please call 911. Please exercise extreme caution in fire-affected areas." SEMA also wrote that it could use the public's help in identifying damaged electric infrastructure, "such as poles that are broken or leaning, and lines down." Those with information should contact Electric Utility at 405-372-3292. Primrose Retirement Community, one of the first places evacuated, has said temporary placement has been secured for residents and it will let family know when it is safe to return. Rep. Trish Ranson (D-Stillwater) wrote a message this morning thanking the first responders and expressing sympathy for those who were affected. 'I am grateful for the brave men and women at Stillwater Emergency Management, Stillwater Police Department and Stillwater Fire Department for evacuating folks safely and quickly during yesterday's fires,' Ranson said. 'Their efforts to get neighbors out of harm's way saved lives. Although several homes and neighborhoods were lost and severely damaged, relief efforts are underway by the State, City and County officials. I am praying for Stillwater and urge everyone to utilize the resources available to them. We must continue to look out for one another and support each other where we can. We will do whatever we can to heal from this devastation. We are Stillwater strong.' Payne County is still at an elevated risk Saturday for fire danger, according to the National Weather Service in Norman. Planes or other aircraft that might have assisted with the fires, were grounded due to high winds. Wind "Fire behavior and demands for protection of values at risk outpaced suppression capability of resources on the ground while the strength of the windstorm prohibited utilization of firefighting aircraft," the OFS report reads. "While the fire weather will be less intense (Saturday) there remains a Red Flag Warning in effect for part of Oklahoma, and new wildfire activity will continue to occur compounded by a tremendous workload containing the active fires. Incident commanders are encouraged to communicate needs and initial damage assessments to emergency managers facilitating timely communication developing statewide situation awareness. "The fire environment will continue to present very challenging conditions through next week as very-high fire danger indices persist head of another period of fire-effective weather over very receptive fuels Monday through Wednesday and little or no optimism for meaningful rainfall in sight. Heavy initial attack and persistent large fire potential will remain in place this weekend with increasing likelihood of another period of significant fire occurrence (>5,000 acres) and wildfire outbreak potential early next week." As of 5 a.m., the Oklahoma Department of Transportation reported that all highways and turnpikes affected by Friday's windstorm and grassfires are now open. The Mid South Endurance Festival, which has drawn thousands of runners and cyclists to Stillwater, announced late Friday night that Saturday's events were canceled. "We have been in constant communication with our city and county emergency services and we are announcing that Mid South 2025 is officially canceled," Founder Bobby Wintle wrote. "All efforts, support, and energy are being sent to fight this wildfire tragedy in our home that we love so much. Friends and family have lost their homes in Stillwater and the work to fight this fire is ongoing. Thank you for understanding. Our only hope is that the damage can be minimized and that everyone and their loved ones are safe tonight." House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson encouraged Oklahomans lean on each other for support. 'My deepest gratitude to all of the brave first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep Oklahomans safe—thank you,' Munson said in a press release. 'As more information on the aftermath of yesterday's devastating fires is shared, I am praying for those who are without their homes and businesses and who are injured. Please remember you are not alone in this. I urge Oklahomans to look out for one another as we experience more weather today and continue to recover from yesterday. There are resources for Oklahomans who need them. Please take advantage of them. In times like these, it is important we stick together and help our neighbors.' Residents impacted needing non-emergency services can call 211 for things related to the disaster or health and human services.
