TULSA, Okla.–Oklahoma Republican Governor Kevin Stitt faces criticism from firefighters and some members of his own party after blaming the state’s forestry department for recent wildfires.
Fire crews from across the region and state agencies responded to a week-long outbreak of fierce fires powered by low humidity and 60 mph winds beginning Friday, March 14. The single stretch of wildfires killed four people and injured over 200 across at least 12 counties.
The blazes burned over 400 homes, including the governor’s ranch.
Gov. Stitt responded by declaring a state of emergency and touring the damage. He also placed blame on the director of Oklahoma Forestry Services. Director Mark Goeller resigned on March 26.
“He’s the head of the forestry department, and we had a horrible, horrible wildfire in the State of Oklahoma, and I didn’t think they did a really good job,” Stitt told reporters after the resignation last week.
In total, the Oklahoma Forestry Services has responded to 783 wildfires burning over 222,000 acres of land since Jan. 1, 2025, according to a Fire Situation Report.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Gov. Stitt went even further. He suggested the entire agency should be eliminated over its response.
“The fact that we can’t get answers about where their assets were around the state is further proof that this is a deep-seated bureaucracy that are trying to protect their actions,” Stitt said. “We still haven’t been able to figure out where they were during that thing.”
His remarks drew criticism from Republican state lawmakers and at least one volunteer fire department.
Firefighters call for Oklahoma Governor’s impeachment
“As far as the comments go, I’m confused by it. I don’t understand where that came from, I completely do not share the views of the governor that that’s something that could be eliminated,” the Republican leader of the Oklahoma state Senate, Lonnie Paxton, told FOX25 Thursday.
“I just want to say that that is unacceptable,” House Speaker Kyle Hilbert said.
The Olive Volunteer Fire Department in northeastern Oklahoma released a petition calling for Gov. Stitt’s impeachment. It’s garnered over 1,600 signatures as of 2 p.m. on Friday.
“Our state, having endured one of the worst wildfires in its history, received steadfast support from its brave firefighters and first responders,” the petition reads. “Yet, amidst this harsh trial, Governor Kevin Stitt fired the director of the State’s wildfire response under baseless allegations, displaying a lack of judgment and insensitivity, breaking the unity that we Oklahomans have always cherished.”
Oklahoma Forestry Services responds to community support
Instead of accepting the criticism from state lawmakers and emergency management chiefs, Gov. Stitt doubled down on calling for the agency’s elimination.
“Why do I even have a Department of Forestry?” Stitt said. “Let’s just get rid of the whole thing. I’d saved $75 million for the taxpayers. Or let’s take 50 million of that and let’s give it to our local firefighters.”
The Oklahoma Forestry Services was created by the Oklahoma Legislature 100 years ago, on April 6, 1925. Its primary role is to preserve management of Oklahoma’s forests and to protect people and property from wildfires.
“We are yet unclear as to exactly why Director Goeller was ousted from Forestry Services. His departure leaves a huge hole,” Keith Merckx, spokesperson for Oklahoma Forestry Services, told the Black Wall Street Times in a statement Friday.
“We profoundly miss him and his dedicated leadership. Nevertheless, Mark’s unwavering principles of Duty, Respect, and Integrity serve as his legacy inside OFS as we move forward,” Merckx stated.
“The support from lawmakers and people across the state “means more to us than we could ever effectively say. It is an affirmation that what we do is important,” the statement continues. “It is an honor to serve and we are moving forward with every intent of maintaining our highest standards for the next 100 years.”
Gov. Stitt’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Oklahoma Legislature is the only state body with the authority to disband the Oklahoma Forestry Services division.
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