Division
Forestry Services
Contact us
Phone: (405) 522-6158
General E-Mail: okforest@ag.ok.gov
Burn Ban Notification Email: okburnbans@ag.ok.gov
Fax: (405) 522-4583
Sign-up to receive the Oklahoma Fire Situation Report by email or text.
If the Burn Ban Map isn’t visible above (or if you need to see it on a larger page), click the following link: Burn Ban Map
Burn Ban FAQ
Burn bans are just that – a ban on burning which is enforced by state law. Burn bans are based upon not only the immediate predicted weather conditions but also the long-term weather forecast, the condition of the wildland fuels, current fire behavior, and fire occurrences.
What is the County Commissioners Notification Process?
Notice of the burn ban resolution shall be submitted to:
- Forestry Division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry via email at OkBurnBans@ag.ok.gov. Faxed copies will not be accepted. Resolutions received by 4:00 PM will be posted on the Oklahoma Forestry Services website the same day. All notices received after 4:00 will be posted the following day.
- County Commissioners must also notify all local news media, local law enforcement officials, and the state headquarters of the Department of Public Safety, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and the Department of Wildlife Conservation on the day of passage of the resolution.
What is the duration of County Commissioner issued Burn Bans?
The resolution shall be effective for a period not to exceed fourteen (14) days from the date of passage by the board of county commissioners unless the burn ban is rescinded by the same body, using the same method by which it was approved. If extreme fire danger conditions persist, subsequent resolutions may be passed by the board of county commissioners and must also be submitted as described above.
What types of burn bans are there?
There are county-issued burn bans and Governor-proclaimed burn bans. A Governor proclaimed burn ban supersedes county burn bans. Governor burn bans may be issued for groups of counties, or for all counties.
What is the criteria used to proclaim a burn ban?
There are different criteria for county-issued burn bans and Governor-issued burn bans. For links to the data sources click here.County burn ban criteria is a subset of those used by OFS to recommend a Governor-proclaimed ban. The intent is to make it easier for county burn bans to be issued and removed (allowing for rapid changes in local conditions).
County commissioners determine the need with the advice of the county’s fire chiefs. Prior to passage of a burn-ban resolution, the board of county commissioners must declare the existence of extreme fire danger. As defined in law, extreme fire danger means:
- Severe, extreme, or exceptional drought conditions exist within the county as determined by the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA)
- No more than one-half inch of precipitation is forecast for the next three days by the National Weather Service
Either of the following:
- Fire occurrence is significantly greater than normal for the season or initial attack on a significant number of wildland fires has been unsuccessful due to extreme fire behavior
- Where data is available, more than 20 percent of the wildfires in the county have been caused by escaped debris burns or controlled burns.
In addition to evaluating county burn ban criteria, OFS uses additional data related to the wildland fuels conditions and predicted fire behavior to determine the need for a Governor-issued burn ban. These criteria are found on the Fire Weather and Fuel Criteria page of this website.
What are the differences in length and penalties between the two types of burn bans?
County-issued burn bans are passed by a vote of the county commissioners. The resolution can be for up to 14 days in length. Any person convicted of a violation of a county-issued burn ban shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment for up to one year or to both.
Governor-issued burn bans are proclaimed by a resolution signed by the Governor. Requests for the proclamation are made to the Governor by the Forestry Services Division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry through the Secretary of Agriculture. State-issued burn bans remain in place until conditions improve (as determined by State Forestry). Any person convicted of a violation of a Governor-issued burn ban shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than $1000, imprisonment for up to one year or to both.
Who is responsible to enforce burn bans?
Any law enforcement officer in the state may enforce both County-and Governor-issued burn bans.
Fire Department Assistance
Oklahoma Forestry Services is both honored and pleased to serve alongside of and assist the many fire departments in our state. In addition to providing direct assistance during ongoing incidents we work to improve fire department capacity through our Community Fire Assistance Program by providing funding opportunities, equipment and training in addition.
Forest and Woodland Management
From the pine forests of the east, to the unique Cross Timbers forest of central Oklahoma and the riparian areas of the Great Plains, OFS Foresters work with landowners who want to actively manage and care for their trees and property. No matter what your goals might be, your OFS Forester is there to provide you the best management keys to success.
We can help you with:
- Management Plans
- Forest and Tree Health Advice
- Timber Stand Improvement
- Tree Seedlings
- Prescribed Burning
- Water Quality Assistance
- Windbreaks and Shelterbelts
State Nursery and Tree Improvement Center
Oklahoma Forestry Services has a long history of forest tree improvement and seedling production. This commitment continues today as we strive to provide the highest quality seedlings available anywhere.
OFS operates two facilities which specialize in forest regeneration: the Forest Tree Improvement Center (FTIC), located in Idabel, and the Albert Engstrom Forest Regeneration Center (State Nursery), located in Goldsby. The goals of Oklahoma’s Forest Regeneration Program are to keep forestlands in forest, and to offer tree planting as a viable solution to some of Oklahoma’s most pressing environmental issues.
Ordering Seedlings
OFS sells over 30 varieties of trees and shrubs, chosen for their ability to meet the challenges of Oklahoma’s tough climate. Years of selecting from the best seed sources available for each species and careful growing practices in our nursery have resulted in seedlings adaptable to a wide range of planting conditions. Talk to our Regeneration Staff or your local Service Forester for recommendations for your particular site and how to properly plant seedlings.
Seedlings are distributed as bare-root and containerized and can be planted for a number of different purposes including timber production, wildlife habitat improvement, erosion control and windbreaks. The State Nursery also has special options available including Genetically Improved Southern Pines and Conservation Planting Packets.
Place an order for seedlings starting in October and they are shipped in January through March of each year. There are certain policies on ordering seedlings, but if you need further information, please contact the State Nursery at 405-288-2385 or 800-517-3673, or email us.
Order seedlings here
How to plant seedlings
Foresters are available to help assist you with any forest management or tree planting questions. Contact your local forester.
Other Resources
- How to plant a seedling by hand brochure
- Or watch a video demonstrating how to plant your seedlings
Work at the Nursery
Nursery Technician
Job Description: Nursery Technicians are temporary employees obtaining 20-40 hours/week. This position is responsible for operating farm equipment and irrigation systems while participating in seed collection, seedling harvesting, and field research. Nursery Technicians also drive employees to and from locations.
Job Location: Forest Regeneration Center
830 NE 12th Ave
Goldsby, OK 73093
Pay Range: $10 – $13/hour (based on experience)
Job Requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Tractor/farm experience desirable, but not necessary
Job Advantages:
- Gain supervisory experience
- Learn about natural resources
- Competitive pay
Click here to download and fill out the application.
Upload your completed application here (website form submission)
Public Information and Communications
Oklahoma Forestry Services considers communications and public information to be critical to our success as an agency. A well informed public is aware of forestry issues, safer and more supportive. To accomplish this goal, we utilize both OFS and Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry personnel to provide:
- Public information and media relations
- Internal communications
- Marketing Support
- Photography, video and website support
- General public relations and special projects
Communications and Media Contacts:
FOR FIRE-RELATED INFORMATION:
Michelle Finch-Walker
Public Information Officer for fire and incidents
405-586-0404
FOR ALL OTHER INFORMATION:
Suzanne McCombs
Communications & Outreach Manager
405-421-3071
Oklahoma Forestry Services
Report a Wildfire
In the OFS designated initial attack area (located in eastern Oklahoma) call:
- Northeastern Oklahoma: 1-800-299-FIRE
- East Central Oklahoma: 1-800-375-2056
- Southeastern Oklahoma: 1-800-299-2468
(Insert map of initial attack area)
For all other areas, report fires to your local fire department
Report a Timber Theft
Statewide Arson Hotline
1-866-NO ARSON (866-662-7766)
Forestry Services law enforcement occurs in two areas of investigation: arson and timber theft. Special law enforcement officers gather evidence and turn it over to prosecutors at the county level. Gathering evidence for the prosecution of these cases is provided to private landowners, county and district officials.
Arson fires threaten lives, homes and property. State statutes support the prosecution of those responsible for arson fires which damage the lands or property of another.
As the value of forest products increases, so does timber theft. Oklahoma’s high percentage of absentee forest ownership, especially in eastern Oklahoma, makes this area particularly vulnerable to scams and theft.
View Oklahoma’s Forestry Code
View/Download Timber Trespass Complaint Form
Read about Oklahoma State Forestry’s History here.
Director’s Office
Director’s Office Oklahoma Forestry Services is a division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. The Director of Forestry is the State Forester for Oklahoma. The State Forester is required by state statute to be a professional forester and qualified by the State Board of Agriculture.
The Director of Forestry is charged with:
- Enforcing the provisions of the Oklahoma Forestry Code The prevention and extinguishing of wildland fires
- Leading Oklahoma in its efforts to manage and protect its trees, forests and related natural resources
- Provide assistance for the protection and management of forested state lands
- Recommending and implementing plans for the future of forestry in the state of Oklahoma
OFS is headquartered in Oklahoma City.
Our State Forester
Mark Goeller became State Forester and Director of Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) on May 13, 2018. He has served in a variety of positions with the division for the past 33 years, most currently as Fire Management Chief since 2005.
In addition to his regular duties with OFS, Goeller also serves in leadership roles on the state, regional and national levels. He is chair of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Risk Management Committee and serves on the S-520 Advanced Incident Management Steering Committee. He also chairs the Southern Group of State Foresters Fire Management Chiefs.
Additionally, Goeller is an Operations Section Chief, having served in that capacity on a Northern Rockies Type I Incident Management Team since 2005. His incident management experience comes from wildfire and all-hazards assignments in twenty-one states. He also serves as chair of Oklahoma’s All-Hazards Standards, Qualifications and Training Committee for Incident Management Teams and a member of the Oklahoma Incident Management Team Advisory Committee.
Goeller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture – Forest Management from Oklahoma State University.
For OFS Employees
OFS is a division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) and employee are governed by state merit rules and ODAFF departmental policies. These have been combined into the ODAFF Employee Handbook.
ODAFF Employee Handbook
Standard Operating Procedures
NOTE: ALL SOP’S ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BEING UPDATED AND WILL BE ADDED TO THE WEBSITE WHEN COMPLETED
Oklahoma Forestry Services maintains standard operating procedures throughout the division in order to ensure the safe and effective delivery of our mission. The documents below should be reviewed and considered as required.
1. Administration
2. Personnel
3. Safety
4. Vehicles and Vehicle Use
4.1 Standard Vehicle Equipment and Care
4.2 Vehicle Backing and Parking
5. Field and Fire Operations
5.1 OFS Wildfire Dispatch Plan
5.2 Communications and Communications Equipment (TBD)
5.3 Personal Protective Equipment (General)
5.4 Fireline Personal Protective Equipment
5.5 Prescribed Fire and Fire Duty Documentation
State Office
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
2800 N Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Tel: (405) 522-6158
Fax: (405) 522-4583
- Mark Goeller; State Forester, Director, (405) 522-2295
Forest Management and Administration
- Ranae Moyer; Executive Assistant, (405) 522-8889
- Scott Huff; Assistant Director, Forest Mgmt. Chief, (405) 522-6147
- Ryan Baldrachi; Forest Data Analyst, (405) 522-6152
- Dieter Rudolph; Forest Health Management, (405) 522-8888
- Mark Bays; Urban and Community Forestry, (405) 522-6150
- Joshua Bradley; Forest Inventory & Analysis Coordinator, (405) 881-6029
- Yuri DeLeon, Administrative Programs Officer, (405) 522-6157
- Ashley Johnson; Administrative Assistant, (405) 522-6151
- Jennifer Carrel; Administrative Assistant, (405) 522-6158
Fire Management and Field Operations
- Andy James; Assistant Manager/Fire Management Chief, (405) 823-6742
- Tom Murray; Fire Management Staff, (580) 331-7319
- Drew Daily; Fire Management Staff, (405) 431-9476
Jason Whaley; Water Quality, 405-496-6876
Jason.Whaley@ag.ok.gov
- Rick O’Daniel; Safety Officer, (405) 699-1807
- Craig Marquardt; East Central Area, (918) 465-2082
- Eve Hawkins; Administrative Assistant, (918) 456-2082
- Craig Longshore; Northeast Area, (918) 456-6139
- Kaley Helton; Administrative Assistant, (918) 456-6139
- Brock Hill; Southeast Area, (580) 584-3351
- Tama Lester; Administrative Assistant, (580) 584-3351
Forest Regeneration Center
Oklahoma Forestry Services, FRC
830 NE 12th Ave
Goldsby, OK 73093
- Jeri Irby; Forest Regeneration/Tree Improvement, (405) 288-2385
- Jeri.Irby@ag.ok.gov
- Fax: (405) 288-6326
- Tricia Braden; Administrative Assistant
- Fax: (405) 288-6326
Community Fire Assistance
830 NE 12th Ave
Goldsby, OK 73093
Tel: (405) 288-2385
Fax: (405) 288-6326
- Gail Scribner; Administrative Assistant
- Janet Hudson; Administrative Assistant
Forest Tree Improvement Center
FTIC Manager (vacant)
Oklahoma Forestry Services, FTIC
Route 1, Box 233
Idabel, OK 74745
Tel: (580) 286-3552
Fax: (580) 286-2647
Communications and Community Outreach
- Michelle Finch-Walker; Public Information Officer, (580) 236-1021
- Vacant; Manager Communications and Outreach, (405) 522-6156
- Mo Rice; Education Coordinator, (405) 521-2020
- Doug Zook; Forest Heritage Museum, (580) 494-6497
- Calista Stephens; Forest Heritage Museum Administrative Assistant, (580) 494-6497