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- calendar_today November 6, 2026
Edmond Fire Department Introduces Wildfire Protection Plan
As Edmond, Oklahoma, experiences significant growth east of Interstate 35, city fire officials have proposed a new wildfire protection plan to address increased wildfire risk in rapidly expanding neighborhoods.
Rising Concerns Over Wildfire Risk
With new homes being constructed next to unmanaged, vegetation-rich areas, fire officials note that wildfire risk has become a pressing concern. Jesse Benne, Chief of Prevention at Edmond Fire Department, explained, “The risk already exists. We know it’s a known factor and we do a lot to handle the fires after they’ve already happened.”
Focus on Wildland-Urban Interface and Prevention
A particular area of concern is the so-called “wildland-urban interface,” where residential development meets and blends into wild, unmanaged land. This interface brings homes closer to known fire hazards. The proposed wildfire protection plan aims to move from reactive measures to proactive prevention, establishing safeguards before the next major wildfire breaks out.
Red Cedar Removal and Infrastructure Upgrades
One of the primary actions in the plan involves eliminating eastern red cedars from unmanaged growth areas. Benne identified these trees as a “known problem” because they are highly combustible and often go unchecked. The plan also emphasizes the installation of fire hydrants in new developments, improving local firefighting capabilities.
High Wildfire Risk in Edmond
Benne highlighted that Edmond faces a 79% higher wildfire risk compared to other areas in the United States. While California and Colorado are well-known for their wildfire danger, Edmond’s risk level is comparable to those states, according to Benne. The new plan would help guide development codes, keep the community informed, and enhance the city’s preparation for future wildfire events.
Promoting Community Preparedness Tools
Fire officials recommend residents use online tools like the national Firewise program to educate themselves on reducing fire risk. The Firewise program provides recommendations based on a property’s distance from wildfire-prone areas, such as clearing back trees, using noncombustible mulch, and removing combustible materials from around the home. Benne stated, “Those are all things that we could do today to greatly decrease our risk.”
Emergency Notification and Council Review
The department encourages residents to sign up for Alert Edmond, a notification service that warns homeowners when wildfire threats are nearby. The proposed wildfire protection plan has been recommended by the Edmond Planning Commission and now awaits review by the Edmond City Council.
Source: kfor.com.
