Senator Jett Issues Statement on Statewide Wildfires

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, issued the following statement in response to the devastating wildfires impacting communities throughout Oklahoma, including areas of Senate District 17.

“With over 170,000 acres burned, the loss of almost 300 structures, and most tragically, the loss of human life this week from Oklahoma wildfires, the confluence of mitigating factors was prime for much worse outcomes had it not been for the heroic efforts of our full time and volunteer firefighters’ rapid response, private citizens helping one another, and some very sophisticated homegrown tools of computer modeling and satellite imagery to provide situational awareness for boots on the ground collaboration, coordination, and partnerships among our broader firefighting statewide team. 

While our local FDs were heavily committed in extreme burning conditions prioritizing protection of life and property, the Oklahoma Forestry Service, in a multistate collaborative partnership including national assets from the National Weather Service (NWS), provided real time predictive services to inform fire departments and incident responders with high level situational awareness. 

The OFS in close coordination with the NWS satellite detection rapidly assessed fire potential and values at risk issuing rapid fire warnings that were supplemented with local authority evacuation information. These innovations developed in Oklahoma are being evaluated for further application across the United States. 

Even with all the technology and manpower fully deployed, there were still reports of 911 calls unable to send a response. In these cases, it was neighbors helping neighbors when firefighters were elsewhere deployed and unable to respond to new fire suppression needs.

In these past few days, once again, we showcased the Oklahoma Standard. Praises all around for the amazing partnership of Oklahomans protecting Oklahomans. But for the grace of God the outcomes could have been far worse.

We are truly heartbroken over the destruction of people's homes and the loss of lives. Let’s pray for each other. May God bless and protect Oklahoma.”

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For more information, contact: Sen. Jett at Shane.Jett@oksenate.gov or 405-521-5539