Oklahoma House passes bill to reduce wildfire risk by controlling Red Cedars

A bill aimed at reducing wildfires in Oklahoma by controlling the red cedar population is moving through the state legislature.

House Bill 2162, which passed the House this week, would expand a pilot program focused on removing the highly flammable trees. The program currently operates in nine Oklahoma counties, where nearly a dozen technicians use skid steer machines to kill and mulch red cedars.

Experts with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission say the program creates brush-free zones around towns, particularly in rural areas. These 100- to 300-acre perimeters help slow wildfires, which are often fueled by red cedars. The trees contain high oil content, making them extremely flammable. In some cases, they explode and throw embers, igniting new fires. Their low-hanging branches also allow flames to spread quickly through grass and ground cover.

“We’ll never eradicate them because they are native,” said John Weir, a senior extension specialist at Oklahoma State University. “They’re always going to be here, but you’re going to try to control them.”

The Oklahoma Conservation Commission estimates it will take $10 million to fully fund the program statewide. The bill would also provide training and support for rural fire departments.

HB 2162 now heads to the Senate for consideration.