Gov. Stitt says Oklahoma Forestry Services used only half of its resources during deadly wildfires: 'Simply unacceptable'

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt released a statement on Monday saying that the Oklahoma Forestry Services director only used half of the available resources to help firefighters during a wildfire outbreak on March 14.

He said the Secretary of Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry and the Director of Oklahoma Emergency Management investigated the wildfire response and that "they were met with reluctance to give answers."

"When they received the answers they needed, they found that the director only deployed half of his available resources to help local firefighters around the state.

While our local firefighters were stretched thin, leadership at Forestry Services failed to act with the urgency the moment demanded.

This comes after he announced that Oklahoma Forestry Service Director Mark Goeller was fired due to the response to the wildfires.

Stitt also proposed to disband the Oklahoma Forestry Department during one of his weekly press conferences.

Stitt says he has tasked Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur and Public Safety Secretary Tricia Everest to create a report on how the response had failed and where future improvements can be made.

Stitt's office reports that 158 wildfires broke out across the state on March 14, with over 500 homes being destroyed and four people dying.

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We see time and time again that bureaucratic processes stand in the way of getting actual work done for the people of Oklahoma. This time, the bureaucracy cost lives.

We owe it to those we lost—and to every family rebuilding—to ensure this never happens again. Accountability is not a punishment; it’s a promise. I have tasked Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur and Public Safety Secretary Tricia Everest to assemble a report detailing where our response failed and what can be done to improve that response in the future. That will be completed within the week so all Oklahomans can have answers.

While work needs to be done, I am proud that the Oklahoma Standard came out in full force as Oklahomans started to rebuild from these fires and care for their neighbors. While that will never bring those we lost back, we keep them in our prayers and we will work to honor their legacies in everything we do. 

Oklahomans deserve a government that acts swiftly, decisively, and with their best interests at heart. When lives are at stake, there is no room for hesitation, mismanagement, or bureaucracy that hinders action. The tragic events of March 14 have underscored a painful reality—but also given us an opportunity to rebuild a system that truly prioritizes people over process.

My administration will continue to hold agencies accountable and ensure that every arm of government serves our communities with integrity and urgency. Together, we will rise from this loss, honor the heroism of our firefighters, and build a stronger, safer Oklahoma for all.

Previous Coverage:

1. Oklahoma Forestry Service Director fired over wildfire response
2. Oklahoma firefighters react after Gov. Stitt fires head of forestry department
3. Tulsa firefighter speaks out on firing of Oklahoma Forestry Director
4. AG Drummond Criticizes Governor's Ouster of Forestry Director Over Wildfire Response
5. Oklahoma Forestry Director's firing sparks negative reactions among firefighters and state officials
6. 'I have been falsely accused:' Former Oklahoma Forestry Department head responds to firing
7. Governor Stitt speaks out on firing of Oklahoma Forestry Director Mark Goeller
8. Gov. Stitt Proposes Disbanding the Oklahoma Forestry Services Over Wildfire Response
9. 'That is unacceptable:' State lawmakers respond to Governor’s call to disband the State Forestry Department
10. Rep. Humphrey calls on Gov. Stitt to restore Forestry Director
11. Lincoln Co. fire chiefs pen letter in support of ousted Oklahoma Forestry Services head