Enid, OK — Governor Kevin Stitt issued a statement Monday addressing the recent firing of Mark Goeller, the former director of Oklahoma Forestry Services, following criticism of the agency’s response to the devastating wildfires in March.
The wildfires, which broke out on March 14, became the worst outbreak in the state’s recorded history, driven by a combination of high winds, low humidity, and drought conditions. More than 158 wildfires spread across the state, destroying over 500 homes and tragically claiming the lives of four Oklahomans. Local, volunteer, and rural firefighters risked their lives in the face of overwhelming danger, demonstrating the resilience and bravery that Governor Stitt described as “the very best of Oklahoma.”
However, Stitt’s response to the Oklahoma Forestry Services’ handling of the fires has been less than favorable. The governor criticized the department’s failure to deploy all available resources to assist local fire departments. In a press conference last week, Stitt suggested the possibility of eliminating the agency altogether, citing the forestry department’s inadequate response to the crisis.
This stance drew criticism from several Republican lawmakers, including a press conference hosted by Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, where they expressed their disapproval of the governor’s comments. Additionally, one local fire department voiced its concerns on social media, circulating a petition calling for Stitt’s impeachment.
In his statement Monday, Stitt elaborated on the reasons behind the firing of Goeller, explaining that after a thorough review of the department’s actions, it was revealed that only half of the available resources from the forestry department were deployed during the fire response. The governor described the department’s lack of urgency and failure to act swiftly as “unacceptable,” especially given the scale of the wildfire disaster.
“The forestry department neglected its duties and left local fire departments begging for additional resources,” Stitt said in his statement. “When I learn information like this, I have no choice but to make a change.”
Stitt’s administration has already initiated a broader review of the agency, led by Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur and Public Safety Secretary Tricia Everest. The two officials have been tasked with compiling a detailed report on the failures during the wildfire response, including identifying areas where improvements can be made. The report is expected to be completed within a week.
Stitt further stressed the need for accountability, declaring that the state would either rebuild the Forestry Services division or redirect resources to local fire stations better positioned to protect their communities. He also reiterated his commitment to ensuring that Oklahoma’s firefighting efforts are more effective and responsive in the future.
“We owe it to those we lost—and to every family rebuilding—to ensure this never happens again,” Stitt said, vowing that accountability would be a “promise” to the people of Oklahoma.
As the investigation into the forestry department continues, the governor’s office is expected to explore further measures to strengthen the state’s response to wildfire emergencies and prevent similar failures in the future.
