Update: Mark Goeller has posted a response to Facebook after recently being fired as the Director of Oklahoma Forestry Services.
In his statement, Goeller says, “I have been falsely accused of not performing the duties necessary to protect life and property in a timely manner. 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. Nothing was held back as the events of the 14th and following days unfolded. My Agency’s wildland firefighters plus the career and volunteer firefighters in this State risked their lives willingly to protect lives and property in historic fire weather conditions. Loss of life and property would have been much greater without these brave individuals risking it all for all. I am incredibly proud of their dedication to the safety and welfare of the citizens of Oklahoma. We are truly blessed to have Oklahoma’s Fire Service.
I know the Lord has a plan in all of this. He has directed my steps for decades and will continue to do so. I know that whatever comes next will be great. Romans 8:28
I am incredibly humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement during this time. Countless prayers to the Lord have been offered up for me and by me. I can’t begin to express what this has meant and how it’s helped Linda and me navigate through these last several days.
I am so thankful for those that have stood up for me and those that I have had the honor to work alongside during my career.”
Governor Kevin Stitt further elaborated on the reason for Goeller’s exit from the agency.
“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.” Gov. Kevin Stitt said.
Mark Goeller, the soon-to-be former Director of Oklahoma Forestry Services, is leaving the agency after the wildfire outbreak this month.
“As far as Mark’s departure... you know... he’s the head of the forestry department and we had a horrible, horrible wildfire in the state of Oklahoma... Didn’t think they did a really good job.” Governor Kevin Stitt said at a Wednesday news conference.
Goeller was named State Forester and Director of Oklahoma Forestry Services in 2018 after having already served the agency for more than 30 years.
There’s been an outpouring of support for Goeller since it was announced he’d be leaving the agency.
Several reports said Goeller’s last day on the job would be March 31st.
The Olive Volunteer Fire Department posted a scathing response and message to the governor.
“In response to this firing, a statement in support of our friend is warranted. Olive FD worked closely with Director Goeller on several wildfires including the historic 2012 Creek County wildfire that devastated our community. We have attended many classes he instructed across the state to better prepare us for wildfires. Director Goeller not only cared for this state but cared for our communities in addition to being very well educated and experienced firefighter.”
The post, attributed to Fire Chief Jason Dobson, outlined ways in which the Olive Volunteer Fire Department worked with OFS during the outbreak.
“Contrary to what the governor said, preparation was done including:
1. OFS and the NWS started coordinating one week in advance. In fact, the NWS started notifying the public on Sunday, March 9th.
2. OFS increased the preparedness level to a 5.
3. OFS sent daily fire situation briefings to fire departments and the public.
4. OFS pre-deployed forestry suppression taskforces across the state.
5. OFS brought in 2 Super Scooper aircraft from Canada along with an aerial supervisor unit.
6. OFS brought in other state forestry teams including the US Forestry Service.
7. OFS conducted several media interviews.
8. Locally, your Olive volunteers took the day off from their full-time jobs to staff the station to have a rapid response to any reported fires. In fact, this was done by many of the fire departments across the state. THANK YOU!"
The chief also asked many questions of the governor, which you can read here.
“Governor, you blame Director Goeller for the failures of that day, but you too failed! Sir, you’re the leader of the state, the buck stops with you.” The post concludes. “Director Goeller, thank you for your many years of true dedication to the citizens of Oklahoma and you will always have a home at our fire department!”
Goeller was honored on the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Thursday.
State Representative Mikey Dollens came to Goeller’s defense in a social media post, saying “I don’t know how the governor could blame a dedicated and respected public servant, for weather conditions. Unusually high winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation, made the fires nearly impossible to control.” Dollens wrote. “It’s a sad day for Oklahoma as we lose a valuable leader due to circumstances beyond his control. Thank you, Director Goeller for your years of dedicated public service to the people of Oklahoma.”
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond also commented on Goeller’s exit on Friday.
“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. Director Goeller is a seasoned professional who is highly regarded in his field. He – and all those who battled the fires – have earned the gratitude and respect of Oklahomans. It is outrageous that the Governor’s response to their bravery would be to push out the director mere weeks after that deadly firestorm.” Drummond said.
The Southern Group of State Foresters also posted glowing remarks about Mr. Goeller.
“Mark has long been a trusted voice in the southern forestry community, especially when it comes to the complex and ever-evolving challenges of wildfire. His collaborative spirit, deep knowledge and commitment to protecting both people and forests earned the respect of colleagues across the region.” The agency posted on social media.
Goeller testified before the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee on enhancing wildfire prediction and response coordination in 2023.
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