View Full Version : Poor On-Line Coverage of Local Fires (Media and State Government)?



HFK
01-02-2006, 02:41 PM
Well I hate to join in the generaly Liberal-directed bashing of the Oklahoman, but I've been surprised by the lack of on-line coverage of the fires on it's site, and other news sites here in the Metro. Yes there are videos and human interest stories, but what about up-to-date information on the locale's threatened by fires, maps and such (the sort of thing on-line news sources are ideal for)? Perhaps I've missed them, but I can't find one map of even semi-current fires.

And it's not just a media issue: the Governor has already (and I presume appropriately) asked the White House for assistance, but despite the severity implied by his request, I can find no online state clearing house for up-to-the-minute fire-related information. The State Fire Marshall's Website (http://www.firemar.state.ok.us/) doesn't even MENTION the fires. Yes, it's a holiday weekend, but if the disaster warrants Federal support, then it warrants calling in State Employees on the holiday. I imagine that the employees themselves would love to be able to help, and robably wouldn't mind the overtime either. The State authorities must make the call, though.

Perhaps I've missed the pertinent sites, but I'e done my best to search thoroughly, and have found little beyond videos of things burning.

Sometimes this State is an embarrasement...

Karried
01-02-2006, 03:57 PM
I know last week I was able to go online at the Oklahoman and get complete updates on fires but I wasn't able to find any this morning: They need to get these updated but luckily we aren't having any fires currently.


http://www.channeloklahoma.com/news/5679415/detail.html

sweetdaisy
01-03-2006, 05:30 AM
well, I went outside a few minutes ago and there is a very strong smell of smoke. But, of course, I can't find any information about any fires. It's quite aggravating that there is no info for people.

Oops. The news just said there are no no "smoke plumes" right now. Hmmm...the smell outside is telling me differently...

Raspberry
01-03-2006, 07:09 AM
Hi Daisy..... no fires right now, but the wind is kicking up the ash from recent fires, and that is what we are smelling outside, according to the fire department.

sweetdaisy
01-03-2006, 09:12 AM
Oh, Raspberry, thanks for the info! :)

BDP
01-03-2006, 09:13 AM
You don't have to join the "Liberal-directed" bashing of the Oklahoman. You can just join the other 90% of the bashers that do it because it's a POS.

Patrick
01-03-2006, 12:34 PM
I just got home and saw the fire on Western and Hefner. I went immediately to NewsOK and they had the story on the front home page.

jbrown84
01-04-2006, 01:04 PM
Well I don't think the amount of coverage has anything to do with them being a conservative newspaper.

Karried
01-04-2006, 04:19 PM
http://www.oda.state.ok.us/forestry-fireupdates.htm

This might help if we need it...