Prescribed Burn Association
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Restore the Land
The Okmulgee County Prescribed Burn Association (OCPBA) is a member-led committee dedicated to providing the training, equipment, and “boots on the ground” needed to safely use fire as a land management tool in Okmulgee County.
Why Prescribed Fire?
Prescribed burning is the most cost-effective method for:
- Controlling Eastern Red Cedar: Halting the spread of invasive species that soak up groundwater.
- Improving Forage Quality: Removing old growth to make room for nutrient-dense new grass for cattle.
- Wildlife Habitat: Enhancing nesting cover and food sources for quail, turkey, and deer.
- Wildfire Prevention: Reducing “fuel loads” to protect your home and fences from out-of-control summer wildfires.
How the PBA Works
We operate on a “Neighbor-to-Neighbor” model. We are not a contract burning service; we are a collective of local landowners who help one another.
- Training First: Members get access to OSU Extension and OPBA-certified fire training.
- Shared Equipment: Access to the OCPBA fire trailer, including drip torches, slip-on pump units, radios, and hand tools.
- The Labor Pool: You provide the land and the plan; the PBA provides the experienced neighbors to help you execute the burn safely.
- Liability: Following Oklahoma state law, landowners maintain a written burn plan and notify local fire departments. The PBA provides the support framework to ensure best practices are followed.
Membership & Requirements
To participate in the Okmulgee County PBA, the following is required:
- Active OCCA Membership: All PBA participants must be members in good standing of the Okmulgee County Cattlemen’s Association.
- PBA Annual Add-on: A $25 annual fee to purchase/maintainvequipment and provide educational opportunities.
- The “Assist” Commitment: To have a burn conducted on your property, you must have assisted on at least two (2) prior PBA burns for other members.
For OCCA Members: Get Started
If you are already part of the Okmulgee County Cattlemen’s Association, you can join the PBA by clicking on the button below.
For Non-OCCA Members:
If you are interested in joining the PBA, being a member of OCCA is a requirement for joining the PBA. Please click on the button below to join both associations.