OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt is staying consistent in his messaging.
He said the state’s forestry department failed Oklahomans during the March 14 wildfire outbreak. A few weeks ago, the governor fired State Forester Mark Goeller. Since then, Stitt said his office has been looking into the events of March 14.
WATCH: Stitt announces wildfire working group:
He said Goeller's team used half of the available resources, claiming forestry officials have not been transparent in sharing information with Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur.
April 8, Gov. Stitt turned his words into action, announcing the creation of the Wildland Fire Response Working Group. The group, he said, has six goals.
- Enhance interagency coordination
- Advance wildlife mitigation efforts
- Leverage grant and federal funding
- Partner with private sector and stakeholders
- Engage academic and research institutions
- Gain legislative collaboration
Gov. Stitt announced the group's formation: “This working group will ensure Oklahoma is not just reacting but leading the way with innovative, proactive wildfire strategies.
Some groups included Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma fire service agencies and associations, emergency managers, and other officials statewide.
Arthur sent 2 News a statement:
Protecting life and personal property from wildland fire will continue to be a priority in the state of Oklahoma. As stewards of taxpayer dollars, it is incumbent upon state agencies to perform after action reviews to make certain we are doing the very best job we can with resources available. We acknowledge and appreciate the work of all those in the fire service who risk their lives to protect others and are committed to finding opportunities to improve wildfire responsiveness and resources for the safety and well-being of firefighters and all Oklahomans.
The group is expected to convene in 30 days and provide a report to the governor in six months.
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