Lincoln Co. fire chiefs pen letter in support of ousted Oklahoma Forestry Services head

Fire chiefs across Lincoln County submitted a letter to Gov. Kevin Stitt, expressing their concern regarding the firing of the Oklahoma Forestry Services director.

SEE ALSO: Oklahoma Forestry Service Director fired over wildfire response

In the wake of March's wildfire outbreak, OFS Director Mark Goeller was fired by Stitt, who said he was unhappy with the department's response to the fires.

RELATED: Governor Stitt speaks out on firing of Oklahoma Forestry Director Mark Goeller

In a letter penned to Stitt, several fire chiefs from across Lincoln County, which was the site of several fires during the outbreak, ask the governor to reconsider his position and provide an explanation for the decision.

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

“Throughout his tenure, Director Goeller has demonstrated on wavering commitment and expertise in managing Oklahoma’s forestry programs,” the letter said. “His leadership has been vital in coordinating wildfire response efforts, fostering collaboration among local fire departments, and ensuring that Oklahoma remains at the forefront of wildfire prevention and mitigation strategies.”

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Read the full letter below:

Lincoln County Fire Departments

The Honorable Kevin Stitt

Governor of Oklahoma

Oklahoma State Capitol

2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 212 Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Dear Governor Stitt,

We, the undersigned representatives of the Lincoln County Fire Departments, are writing to express our profound outrage and strong opposition regarding the recent removal of Oklahoma Forestry Director Mark Goeller from his position. As a dedicated public servant with decades of experience in wildland fire management, conservation, and forestry leadership, Director Goeller, with 40 years of experience in forestry and wildfire management, has played an instrumental role in safeguarding Oklahoma's natural resources and protecting our communities from the increasing threats of wildfires.

Throughout his tenure, Director Goeller has demonstrated unwavering commitment and expertise in managing Oklahoma's forestry programs. His leadership has been vital in coordinating wildfire response efforts, fostering collaboration among local fire departments, and ensuring that Oklahoma remains at the forefront of wildfire prevention and mitigation strategies. His removal is a significant loss to our state's forestry and emergency response capabilities. Furthermore, we feel that your decision and comments at your press briefing reflect poorly on the fire service as a whole, including the 80% of firefighters who are volunteers. Some of these dedicated individuals lost their homes and property while bravely b. ttling the historic and unprecedented March 2025 wildfire outbreak.

As those who have worked closely with the Oklahoma Forestry Division, we urge you to reconsider this decision and recognize the value that Director Goeller has brought to Oklahoma. His knowledge and experience are irreplaceable assets, especially as our state faces increasing challenges related to wildfires and land management.