Fire departments; activity reports; National Emergency Response Information System; effective date.

Oklahoma fire departments face updated rules

Beginning November 1, 2025, Oklahoma law sets fire reporting and leadership requirements. Reporting covers cities with paid fire departments, fire protection districts, and charitable corporations formed in unincorporated areas to provide volunteer or full-time fire departments. They must use the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) to report to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Reports cover property and vehicle fire losses, fire types, inspections, and investigations. They must report all fire-related civilian deaths and injuries and firefighter deaths while on duty. Firefighter injuries while on duty must be reported when hospital or physician care is required. Fire-related burn injury and death reports are due within 48 hours of the incident. District chiefs must file activity reports within 48 hours of incidents. The law removes the former annual-report wording for paid city departments. Cities with paid departments must have one full-time chief with at least three years of paid firefighter experience. Chiefs follow city policies and cannot hold another city job that impairs their duties. Districts with more than two full-time paid firefighters must also have one full-time chief. District chiefs generally need three years of paid firefighter experience. During the initial shift from volunteer staffing, five years as that department’s volunteer fire chief officer also qualifies. District boards can add requirements. District chiefs follow board rules and district regulations and oversee department condition, operations, training, and staff performance. They must inspect hydrants and other water sources at least twice yearly, maintain fire prevention publications, and attend fires. They must inform the public about fire hazards and department activities and ensure fire causes are investigated. When deliberate fire-setting is suspected, they must notify authorities and preserve evidence. Assistant chiefs command when chiefs are absent. Company officers are selected for firefighting knowledge, leadership ability, and equipment knowledge.