State forestry officials say rural fire departments across Oklahoma could be devastated as a result of an agreement between two federal agencies to stop providing surplus military vehicles.
State Forester George Geissler said Wednesday the agreement between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency calls for a halt to providing no-cost surplus military vehicles and equipment to fire departments across the country.
Oklahoma forestry officials estimate there are currently more than 8,800 vehicles and pieces of equipment obtained through the program being utilized by rural fire departments across the state.
Geissler says the stoppage is based on an agreement aimed at reducing emissions.
But he warned that greenhouse gas emissions from such vehicles "are marginal at best compared to emissions of an uncontrolled wildfire."
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