LINCOLN COUNTY, Okla. — Tensions between local fire chiefs and Governor Kevin Stitt’s administration are escalating following the governor’s controversial decision to fire Mark Goeller, the director of the Oklahoma State Forestry Department, and his subsequent remarks about the department’s effectiveness during a major wildfire response in March.
In a letter signed by 14 fire chiefs from across Lincoln County, including Chief Todd Beesley of the Wellston Volunteer Fire Department, the group expressed “profound outrage” and strong opposition to the governor’s actions. The chiefs are calling for clarification on the rationale behind Goeller’s dismissal, particularly in light of the unprecedented challenges faced during the wildfires.
Governor Stitt sparked controversy during a press conference last week, stating, “Why do I even have a Department of Forestry? Let’s just get rid of the whole thing.” His remarks came days after he announced the firing of Mark Goeller, who had overseen the state’s forestry operations. The governor’s decision followed his claims that resources had not been properly allocated or used during the wildfires that ravaged parts of Oklahoma on March 14.
During the press conference, Stitt argued, “If all the resources were spent, we get it. There was just a lot of fires going on. But, that wasn’t the case. We still haven’t been able to figure out where they were during that event.” The governor’s comments have drawn significant backlash from local fire chiefs, who argue that the situation was far more complicated.
Chief Beesley, who was actively involved in battling the fires near Merrick that burned through 5,100 acres, pushed back against Stitt’s characterization of the response. “Although we have had some large wildfires, we haven’t had anything that’s really been pushed by hurricane-force winds,” Beesley said. “We all understood that resources were stretched thin everywhere.” Beesley emphasized that the weather conditions and the scale of the fires played a critical role in the difficulties faced by firefighting crews across the state.
In their letter, the fire chiefs voiced their concerns over the governor’s actions and what they perceive as a lack of understanding regarding the challenges firefighters face during large-scale emergencies. “The governor’s statements undermine the hard work and dedication of the men and women on the front lines,” the letter stated. “We are frustrated by the lack of clarity and the dismissal of experienced leadership within the Forestry Department.”
As of now, the governor has not provided further clarification on why Goeller was dismissed or whether any changes will be made to the management of the state’s forestry resources. However, the fire chiefs remain adamant that the decision to remove Goeller was unjust and could have long-term consequences for the state’s ability to respond to future emergencies.
With wildfire season continuing, the fire chiefs are calling for better communication and a more collaborative approach to firefighting resources. They hope to engage in further dialogue with the governor’s office to ensure that local fire departments have the support they need to protect communities and respond effectively to disasters.
