AG Drummond Criticizes Governor's Ouster of Forestry Director Over Wildfire Response

Some state leaders and firefighters are voicing their frustration over the dismissal of the state forestry director.

Governor Kevin Stitt says he did not think Mike Goeller did a good job handling the wildfire outbreak across Oklahoma earlier this month.

RESPONSE FROM OKLAHOMA ATTORNEY GENERAL

Attorney General Gentner Drummond responded to the ousting of Oklahoma Forestry Services Director Mark Goeller on Friday afternoon with strong words against the Governor's comments.

RELATED: Oklahoma firefighters react after Gov. Stitt fires head of forestry department

"It should be inconceivable to think that the courage, skill and herculean work of firefighters across the state would be rewarded with the sudden and inexplicable ouster of Director Goeller,” Drummond said. “Honestly, the Governor’s action is baffling. While the wildfires that swept through our state this month exacted a heavy toll, the death and devastation would have been far, far worse without the strong coordinated effort of firefighters and Oklahoma Forestry Services."

AG Drummond added that Goeller is a seasoned professional who is highly regarded in his field, noting that Goeller, along with the first responders who battled the fires, have earned the gratitude and respect of Oklahomans across the state.

"It is outrageous that the Governor's response to their bravery would be to push out the director mere weeks after that deadly firestorm," he said.

AG Drummond announced in January that he is running for State Governor in the 2026 election cycle. His gubernatorial announcement was made in Pawhuska.

RESPONSE FROM FIREFIGHTERS

Olive volunteer fire chief Jason Dobson is also frustrated over the decision and the governor's comments.

"It was a slap in the face to all of us," he said. "It made us feel like if the Forestry didn't do a good enough job, the fire departments didn't do a good enough job either."

A Tulsa firefighter stood up for Goeller on Friday, noting his 40 years of service.

“I want the governor to know that Mark is really supported, not just within the citizens of Oklahoma, but a lot of the firefighters in Oklahoma,” Clark said. “Mark’s done so much for the Oklahoma fire service.”

Statement From Governor's Office

Governor Stitt's Office released a follow-up statement about the decision just before 4 on Friday afternoon.

"Oklahoma just faced the worst wildfire in our state’s history. Over 515 families lost their homes. When lives are on the line, every resource must be deployed without hesitation.

It became clear that didn’t happen. At the forestry director’s direction, firefighting resources were delayed, unused, or even called back during critical moments. That’s unacceptable.

For this reason, he has been relieved of duty.

We are committed to rebuilding stronger, and that starts with rebuilding trust in the agencies that are meant to protect us."

The Governor's Office did not provide specifics on what resources were withheld or recalled.

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