OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Tensions have escalated in Oklahoma after Governor Kevin Stitt fired Mark Goeller, the head of Oklahoma Forestry Services, following his agency’s response to the March 14 wildfires. Stitt publicly criticized Goeller for what he described as a failure in managing firefighting resources during the devastating fires.
The governor stated that firefighting resources were delayed, underutilized, or even pulled back during critical moments of the wildfire crisis. “He’s the head of the forestry department, and we had a horrible, horrible wildfire in the state of Oklahoma. We didn’t think they did a really good job,” Stitt told local media.
Goeller, in turn, expressed shock, anger, and anxiety over the decision. On social media, he denied the governor’s accusations, asserting that preparations for the wildfires were made well in advance. “The public was notified of the impending fire danger, firefighting resources were ordered and in place. Nothing was held back as the events of the 14th and following days unfolded,” Goeller wrote in a post.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who is also running for governor, has stepped into the fray, defending Goeller and criticizing Stitt’s claims as exaggerated. Drummond, a cattle rancher himself, drew on his personal experience fighting fires, calling the governor’s statement an “absolute lie.” He emphasized that every available firefighting resource was deployed during the wildfires, despite the challenging conditions.
“It’s clear to me the governor has not done that. I think his ranch burned up, and he’s angry and has to vent,” Drummond said. “As a consequence, the state of Oklahoma is injured, and that is not acceptable behavior by our governor.”
Drummond also drew parallels between Stitt’s actions and the controversial firing of California’s fire chief during the state’s wildfires, suggesting that the governor’s decision to dismiss Goeller was a political move rather than a justified response to the crisis.
“Mark Goeller is a professional. He has been handling wildfires for over 40 years. This decision is a huge act of disrespect,” Drummond added.
The controversy surrounding Goeller’s firing has stirred political divisions, with critics questioning the governor’s handling of the situation. As Drummond campaigns for governor, this issue could become a central point of contention in the upcoming race. The impact of the governor’s actions remains to be seen, with many Oklahomans watching closely to determine whether this move will affect his political standing.
In the wake of the wildfires, questions remain about the state’s preparedness and the response to such large-scale disasters. As investigations into the incident continue, the fallout from Goeller’s firing is likely to fuel further debate over Oklahoma’s approach to wildfire management and its leadership.
