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Published on January 17, 2025
Norman Fire Department Bolsters Response Capabilities with New Tankers, Drones, and Collaborative EffortsSource: Google Street View

Norman's fight against fire just got a high-tech boost and a well-filled arsenal. Drawing on resources afforded by the Public Safety Sales Tax, the Norman Fire Department has successfully beefed up its fleet with two 3,000-gallon tankers and pumper tankers, aimed to effectively serve areas outside the reach of standard fire hydrants. Interim Deputy Chief Joel Chesser revealed, in a statement, that this tax has allowed the department to "add two 3,000 gallon tankers and two 3,000 gallon pumper tankers to the response fleet." The addition means that, when flames flare where hydrants fear to tread, up to 18,000 gallons of water can be rapidly rallied to the scene, according to the City of Norman.

In these areas, securing a sizable water supply can be as elusive as catching smoke; yet, Chesser emphasized that thanks to "forged automatic aid agreements," there is now a strengthened capacity to quickly deploy additional tankers, pumpers, and necessary personnel. The Norman Fire Department is not alone in this quest, and they train closely with other local fire departments including OKC FD, Moore FD, Little Axe FD, Noble FD, and various volunteer outfits. This collaboration ensures seamless operation of equipment and preparedness of personnel when a fire event ignites, as reported by the City of Norman.

The Norman Fire Department isn't just fighting fires after they start; it's about anticipating them. With this goal in mind, the Fire Prevention Division now employs drones to surmount the challenges posed by difficult terrain. This aerial advantage allows firefighters to "anticipate wildfire movement and identify threatened structures earlier," Chesser told the City of Norman. These eyes in the sky are a game-changer for spotting and strategizing in expansive rural areas where visibility is often compromised by topography.

Prevention also extends to empowering the community. The Norman Fire Department urges property owners, especially those with agricultural zones, to firmly grasp the guidelines outlined online for safely burning excess material. They plan to continue to work, with departments such as the City of Norman's Parks & Recreation Department, to parch the risks of wildfires before they can spread their scorching fingers. The establishment of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan is on the horizon, aiming to envelop the city in a proactive embrace against the threat of wildfires.

With a comprehensive preparedness plan akin to a shield against the unpredictable blaze, the Norman Fire Department recommends that citizens acquaint themselves with FireWise USA Guide strategies to reduce home and property risk during a wildfire event. This advice is not just for those with a firetruck at their doorstep, but for all who call Norman home—to keep safety a communal priority as steadfast as the firefighters who stand vigilant against the incendiary siege of nature.