'I have been falsely accused' Former Oklahoma Forestry Department head responds to firing

The former head of the Oklahoma Forestry Service is speaking out after he was fired by Gov. Kevin Stitt for his agency's response to a wildfire outbreak earlier this month.

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Mark Goeller, who was let go by the state on March 26, posed on social media Sunday evening, claiming he has been falsely accused of not meeting the standards required by his position.

"I have been falsely accused of not performing the duties necessary to protect life and property in a timely manner," Goeller said. "The Agency to which I dedicated over 40 years of my life was said to have performed poorly. Preparations were made well in advance, the public was notified of the impending fire danger, firefighting resources were ordered and in place."

Stitt said he did not think Goeller did a good job handling the fires, but News 9 spoke with several firefighters across the state who say they disagree.

RELATED: Oklahoma Forestry Director's firing sparks negative reactions among firefighters and state officials

"It was a slap in the face to all of us," Olive Fire Department Chief Jason Dobson 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."

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In Goeller's social media post, he said nothing was held back regarding his agency's response to the wildfires, and it was because of their efforts the fires were not as impactful as they could have been.

"Loss of life and property would have been much greater without these brave individuals risking it all for all," Goeller said. "I am incredibly proud of their dedication to the safety and welfare of the citizens of Oklahoma."