Gov. Stitt launches Wildland Fire Response Working Group to overhaul Oklahoma's wildfire preparedness

Governor Kevin Stitt has announced the creation of a new Wildland Fire Response Working Group in response to the deadly wildfires that swept through Oklahoma in mid-March, which killed four people and destroyed nearly 600 homes. The group is tasked with overhauling the state’s approach to wildfire preparedness, mitigation, and recovery.

Stitt said the move comes amid growing concerns about inconsistent and delayed responses to the March 14 fires. A state-provided fire coverage map revealed significant discrepancies in resource deployment that day, showing, for example, 49 personnel were assigned to fires covering more than 92,000 acres, while a nearly equal number were sent to fires covering just over 2,000 acres.

“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 in a press release. “This working group will ensure Oklahoma is not just reacting, but leading the way with innovative, proactive wildfire strategies.”

Working Group Goals and Structure

Stitt says the new task force will bring together experts from multiple sectors and levels of government to issue recommendations on how to improve the state’s wildfire response capabilities. Co-chaired by Secretary of Public Safety Tricia Everest and Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur, the group will convene within 30 days and deliver a comprehensive report to the Governor and Legislature within six months.

Key Objectives

1. Enhancing Interagency Coordination: Improving communication and operational synergy between local, tribal, county, and state agencies during wildfire response.
2. Advancing Mitigation Strategies: Scaling up fuel reduction efforts, prescribed burns, defensible space programs, and public awareness campaigns.
3. Pursuing Grant and Federal Funding: Identifying funding streams to upgrade firefighting equipment, expand training, and enhance prevention efforts.
4. Partnering with the Private Sector: Working alongside organizations such as the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, utility companies, and landowner associations to foster a community-wide approach to fire resilience.
5. Engaging Academic Institutions: Leveraging expertise from Oklahoma State University and other academic partners to integrate fire science, risk modeling, and public education into the state’s fire strategy.
6. Working with Lawmakers: Exploring legislative changes to clarify agency roles, improve response protocols, and invest in long-term infrastructure and resource solutions.

A Broad Coalition

Stitt says the working group will include representatives from Oklahoma fire service agencies, first responders, emergency managers, agricultural researchers from OSU, insurance experts, community-based nonprofits, and other stakeholders.

The announcement follows growing political tension around the state’s wildfire response, including Governor Stitt’s controversial firing of the Oklahoma Forestry Services Director last week. The Governor cited poor resource management and delayed reporting during the March fires as a failure of leadership.

RELATED:

1. Oklahoma Forestry Service Director fired over wildfire response
2. Oklahoma firefighters react after Gov. Stitt fires head of forestry department
3. AG Drummond Criticizes Governor's Ouster of Forestry Director Over Wildfire Response

Stitt said this new initiative represents a shift toward a “whole-of-community” approach.

“Oklahomans deserve a wildfire response system that is fast, smart, and built for the challenges of our time,” Gov. Stitt said. “This group will help us build exactly that.”

The group’s first meeting is expected to be held by early May.