OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Oklahoma Forestry Service along with NOAA National Weather Service discussed preparations ahead of wildfire season.
The Oklahoma Forestry Service responded to 536 wildfires last year burning more than 47,000 acres.
The good news is last year was one of the least active years for wildfires in Oklahoma, but officials say 2024 could paint a different picture.
“You get 60, 70 mph winds that a fire travels that fast, seconds count, right, you can’t delay,” said Ken Graham, Director of NOAA National Weather Service.
Preparations are underway for 2024’s wildfire season, and a key component is being positioned in high risk areas ahead of time.
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“It used to be one day ahead, now we’re three to five to seven days ahead,” said Mark Goeller, Director of Oklahoma Forestry Services. “We can see where the biggest impact from our local weather systems are going to play out and we’re able to pre-position our firefighting resources nearest to where those impacts will be.”