OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) is under intense scrutiny following a deadly wildfire outbreak last month that devastated hundreds of properties and claimed at least one life. High-level employees at the agency have been placed on paid leave, and sources have indicated that at least one individual may have been fired as a result of an ongoing investigation ordered by Governor Kevin Stitt.
The investigation comes after what many are calling a slow and inadequate response to the wildfires that erupted on March 14. The fires, sparked by a combination of record dry conditions and hurricane-strength winds, spread rapidly across the state, causing widespread destruction. Despite advanced warnings from meteorologists, Stitt did not declare a statewide burn ban ahead of the outbreak, a decision that has now come under heavy criticism.
Governor’s Actions and Criticism
Following the fires, which destroyed over 500 homes and led to four deaths, Stitt moved quickly to blame the Oklahoma Forestry Services for its handling of the crisis. He argued that firefighting resources were either delayed or underutilized during critical moments of the fire response. In a statement, Stitt said that OFS “neglected their duties” and left local fire departments without the necessary support.
In the aftermath, Stitt dismissed longtime OFS director Mark Goeller, citing concerns over resource allocation and the agency’s lack of urgency. Goeller, who served the state for over 40 years, denied the accusations, defending the agency’s efforts and insisting that all necessary resources were deployed. He accused Stitt of falsely attributing blame to OFS for the tragic outcomes.
“I have been falsely accused of not performing the duties necessary to protect life and property in a timely manner,” Goeller wrote on social media. “The preparations were made well in advance, and firefighting resources were ordered and in place. Nothing was held back.”
Firefighters and Lawmakers Express Outrage
The governor’s decision to fire Goeller was met with sharp criticism from local firefighters and state lawmakers. Jason Dobson, Fire Chief of the Olive Fire Department, expressed frustration, claiming that the blame should not fall on OFS or local fire departments but rather on the natural conditions that fueled the fires.
“It was like a slap in the face to all of us,” Dobson said. “Unfortunately, the one that we have to blame is Mother Nature. That’s the only one we have to blame for this event.”
Dobson’s sentiments were echoed by other local firefighters, many of whom have raised concerns about the governor’s handling of the situation. The Oklahoma Firefighters Association (OFA) sent a letter to Stitt urging him to reconsider his plan to eliminate OFS, warning that dismantling the agency would place an even greater burden on already strained local fire departments.
“Our deep concern is that eliminating OFS will only make things worse,” the letter stated. “It will shift the burden to local departments that are already struggling to meet the needs of their communities.”
Governor Stitt Doubles Down
Despite mounting criticism, Stitt has remained firm in his stance. In a statement, he emphasized the need for accountability, describing the OFS’s response as a bureaucratic failure that cost lives. He ordered the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) and the Department of Public Safety to conduct a full-scale investigation into the agency’s actions during the wildfire outbreak.
“Bureaucratic processes stood in the way of getting actual work done for the people of Oklahoma,” Stitt said. “This time, the bureaucracy cost lives. Accountability is not a punishment; it’s a promise.”
Stitt has also suggested that a full reevaluation of the state’s fire response strategy is needed, including the possibility of reallocating resources to local fire departments. He tasked key state officials with producing a report on the investigation within a week to provide Oklahomans with answers.
The Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, sources close to OFS confirmed that several high-ranking employees have been placed on paid leave, with one individual potentially facing termination. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, which oversees OFS, has declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation or the status of the affected employees, citing personnel privacy laws.
The fallout from the investigation and the ongoing debate over the role of OFS in wildfire response have put Governor Stitt at odds with key emergency responders, lawmakers, and even members of his own party. Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert and Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton have both expressed their disapproval of Stitt’s decision to lay blame solely on OFS.
With Oklahoma facing an increasingly volatile wildfire season, the controversy surrounding OFS’s role in the March 14 outbreak raises serious questions about the state’s preparedness and response strategies for future fire events. As the investigation moves forward, many are calling for a more transparent and coordinated approach to managing wildfire risk in Oklahoma.
The outcome of this investigation could shape the future of the state’s wildfire management and the role of the Oklahoma Forestry Services in protecting lives and property across the state.
