Enid, OK – Tensions flared on Thursday as Republican lawmakers and local fire departments sharply criticized Governor Kevin Stitt’s proposal to eliminate the Oklahoma Department of Forestry, which oversees wildfire management in the state. The controversy escalated when the Olive Fire Department called for the governor’s impeachment, citing concerns about public safety and the well-being of first responders.
At a press conference, several lawmakers, including House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, expressed strong disapproval of the governor’s comments. Speaker Hilbert, addressing the potential impact on the state’s wildfire response, warned that such a move would leave Oklahoma unprepared for future fire seasons. “What does that do from a fiscal management standpoint? In the long run, it means that we are less prepared for wildfires,” Hilbert said.
The Department of Forestry is responsible for managing fire resources across the state, and lawmakers noted that Oklahoma has already faced a challenging wildfire season with more fires than available firefighters. The proposal to eliminate the department, which has been a fixture in the state for more than a century, was described as a dangerous short-term cost-saving measure that could lead to higher long-term costs in disaster response and recovery.
In a direct response, the Olive Fire Department posted a link to a Change.org petition on its social media pages, calling for Stitt’s impeachment. “Unfortunately, the governor continues his rhetoric, and we cannot stand by as he threatens the safety of the citizens and firefighters of this great state, so now comes the time for his removal,” the department said in a statement on Facebook.
The fire department’s bold move has gained attention, with local responders arguing that insufficient resources and funding for firefighting efforts have already placed a significant strain on volunteer fire departments. This year, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry has requested 40% less funding than it did the previous year, further fueling concerns about the state’s ability to effectively respond to wildfires.
Lawmakers continued to argue that instead of reducing resources for the Department of Forestry, more funding was necessary to support fire crews across Oklahoma. “We had more fires than we had employees,” one Republican lawmaker remarked during the press conference, underscoring the strain faced by local firefighting teams.
The debate over the governor’s proposal touches on broader political discussions surrounding fiscal responsibility and efficiency. While some conservative voices argue that trimming government agencies is an appropriate way to save money, others, including Speaker Hilbert, pointed out the potential dangers of such cuts. “Is it conservative to reduce positions in the Forest Service? So you save money in the short run, but in the long run, you end up spending more money when you’re talking about disaster and cleanup and restoration,” he said.
Senate Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton also weighed in, describing the proposal as “a really bad idea” and expressing a desire to engage in a conversation with the governor. Paxton emphasized the department’s century-long history in Oklahoma and advocated for its preservation. “It has been here for the last hundred years, and we should keep it,” he said.
As the situation unfolds, the criticism of Governor Stitt’s proposal appears to be gaining momentum, with lawmakers and fire departments calling for more support, not less, to ensure Oklahoma remains prepared for the growing risk of wildfires. The proposed cuts are likely to continue to be a point of contention in the coming weeks as discussions over state funding and disaster preparedness take center stage.
