Oklahoma Fire Crews Prepare For Possible Wildfire Outbreak

Teamwork is essential at every fire department, but when faced with the potential of fighting severe wild fires every week, that teamwork will be stretched across the entire state.

"The distance we have to respond is greater, usually," said El Reno Deputy Chief, David Harman.

When crews get that call to respond, everything is done as fast as possible. First the boots. Then pants and jacket. Finally, the helmet. Hop in the truck and go.

"We keep all of our trucks ready go all the time," said Harman.

But for wildfire season that's when the details differ. From helmet to boots, the wild land gear is lighter and trucks are more versatile.

"Grass fires take up a lot more area than house fires," said Harman.

And that fact has crews like the El Reno Fire Department taking a more extensive approach.

1/18/2014 Related Story: Red Flag Fire Warning, Burn Bans In Oklahoma

"Often times you can't see the whole incident from one location," said Harman.

Crews look at the potential of fires, factoring in acreage and nearby structures.

"The bigger it is the more people and the more equipment we need to fight it."

It leaves little time for hesitation to call for help, possibly creating some problems on the airwaves.

"It's a constant challenge having to deal with that, getting people to get on the appropriate frequency."

The call first goes out to the nearest jurisdictions.

"We have mutual aid agreements."

It's mutual aid that if needed, could spread across not just cities, but counties.

"[It is] kind of seasonal. We see people from other fire departments a lot."

While no statewide burn ban has been issued. On Friday, Canadian County became the fourth county in the state to issue a ban.