Oklahoma Forestry Urges Wildfire Prevention Ahead of Dormant Season
- mike33692
- 5 hours ago
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Oklahoma Forestry Officials Urge Wildfire Prevention Ahead of Dormant Season
Dormant Season Brings Higher Wildfire Risk
Officials with Oklahoma Forestry Services say the state is now entering dormant season, a period when vegetation dries out and wildfire risk increases sharply. Deputy Fire Management Chief Drew Daily says property owners should use this time to take direct action to protect their homes, land, and neighboring properties.
Daily emphasized that prevention should occur now, before warmer and windier weather returns in the spring.
Simple Steps Can Reduce Fire Risk
Forestry officials recommend several preventative steps that landowners can take immediately, including:
Cleaning out gutters and roof valleys
Removing pine needles, leaves, and dry debris
Clearing brush from around buildings
Creating defensible space around structures
Daily says these steps can significantly reduce the chances of embers igniting homes during fast-moving grass or forest fires.
One-Year Anniversary of Devastating Fires Approaches
March will mark one year since a series of devastating wildfires swept across portions of Oklahoma, destroying homes, farmland, and ranch operations. Those fires caused millions of dollars in damage and pushed emergency responders across multiple counties to their limits.
Despite those losses, officials confirm the state still does not have a permanent director of Oklahoma Forestry Services after the governor removed the previous director from the position. The agency continues to operate under interim leadership.
Forestry Officials Stress Community Responsibility
Fire leaders say wildfire mitigation is a shared responsibility, especially in rural areas where volunteer fire departments often provide the first response. Officials urge residents to remain weather-aware, follow burn bans when issued, and avoid outdoor burning when conditions are dry or windy.
Forestry Services says its crews remain on standby across the state, but early preparation by citizens remains the most effective wildfire defense.