Lawton Politics

It is one of the hottest and driest summers on record, and with no relief in sight. Some parts of the state it is even dryer then what it was this last winter. For those that don’t live or travel through the outskirts of the county, it is very dry! As a Fire Chief for the Cove Acres Volunteer Fire Department, I am concerned about the safety and welfare of the citizens of Comanche County and surrounding areas. Keeping that in mind, there is no push for a Burning Ban from senior county officials or state officials. Even after several requests from local Fire Dept. and residents from the county. Cove Acres VFD has officially requested a Burn Ban twice in the last thirty days. I am truly afraid that it is going to take a house being burned to the ground from and accidental fire or someone being seriously hurt or killed to get a Burring Ban put in place.

What only a few know is that there is a ton of red tape to get a Burning Ban issued. The quickest way to get a ban put in place is to have the County Commissioners to agree that they need a Burning Ban and then send a letter to the Governor’s Office. What is very disheartening is the Fire Dept. has no direct input to the state. Over the last thirty days there have been over twenty fires that could have been prevented if the Burning Ban was in place. Volunteer Fire Departments do not have large budgets; most of them have to survive a year with $3,000 to $6,000.

This issue is a safety issue and should not be a political issue. If you want to voice your opinion please call your County Commissioner at 580-355-3717.

Fire Chief
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