OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – Gov. Kevin Stitt says an investigation found critical failures in the response to deadly wildfires that swept through Central Oklahoma in March.
Stitt established the Wildfire Response Working Group to investigate state agencies’ response to wildfires that ignited on March 14 and burned approximately 170,000 acres across several Central Oklahoma counties. The wildfires killed four people, injured 142 people and destroyed more than 300 structures.
“Wildfires will come; we can’t always stop that. But we can control how we respond,” Stitt said. “Unfortunately, this report proves what too many on the ground already knew: resources weren’t used effectively, and the response from the Forestry Department fell short. Our firefighters were risking their lives without the backup they needed. That’s unacceptable.”
Stitt tasked the Working Group, led by Secretary of Public Safety Tricia Everest and Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur, with conducting a full after-action review of the wildfires and evaluating Oklahoma’s preparedness, coordination and response mechanisms.
The Working Group issued a preliminary report outlining what Governor’s office officials described as “critical failures and urgent areas for improvement in the state’s wildfire response.”
The report listed the following as wildfire response problem areas:
- Fragmented communication between agencies during active fire incidents.
- A lack of radio interoperability across jurisdictions.
- Delays in resource deployment to areas of greatest need.
- Severe staffing shortages among rural volunteer firefighters.
- Insufficient planning and coordination for high fire-risk conditions.
The Working Group recommended the following operational reforms:
- Eliminating outdated Protection Area designations.
- Implementing a statewide Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
- Enhancing proactive wildfire prevention strategies such as prescribed burns and community preparedness.
The Working Group established focused subcommittees to develop detailed recommendations and policy proposals.
Stitt has been sharply critical of the state’s response to the wildfires, especially towards Oklahoma Forestry Services.
He removed Oklahoma Forestry Director Mark Goeller from his position. The removal comes weeks after deadly wildfires swept across Central Oklahoma, killing four people and causing millions of dollars in property damage.
“I’m not blaming anybody for those fires. What I’m questioning and what I’m frustrated with, like most Oklahomans, is that was a time to save property and save lives, and if we didn’t have all of our resources there on those fires, that’s frustrating,” Stitt previously said. “And then furthermore, two days later when the humidity went up and the winds were down and we had a chance to get those put out on Saturday and Sunday, we should have had all resources there. Furthermore, the fact that we can’t get answers about where there assets were around the state is further proof that this is a deep-seated bureaucracy that are trying to protect their actions. We still haven’t been able to figure out where they were during that thing.”
Goeller posted a statement on his Facebook page, saying he was falsely accused of not protecting lives and property.
“The most recent event in my life has been an emotional rollercoaster. In the last week I have experienced shock, confusion, grief, fear, anxiety, pain, anger, love, and comfort.
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.”
Mark Goeller
Stitt also questioned the need to maintain Forestry Services during his weekly news conference on Wednesday.
“Why do I even have a Department of Forestry,” Stitt said. “Let’s just get rid of the whole thing. That would save $75 million for the taxpayers.”
Stitt proposed an alternative use for the funds the Forestry Service receives.
“Let’s take $50 million of that and let’s give it to our local firefighters,” he said.
Forestry Services accounts for 33 percent of the Department of Agriculture’s budget, coming to about $75 million a year, according to Stitt. The governor described that amount as “shocking.”
Stitt has frequently spoken in recent months about his want to cut spending.
He announced the creation of the Oklahoma Division of Government Efficiency during his State of the State address. The plan is inspired by President Donald Trump’s and Elon Musk’s DOGE, which seeks to cut federal spending, including firing members of the federal workforce.
Stitt previously said he visited Mar-a-Lago recently and talked to Trump about a state-level version of DOGE.
The Wildfire Response Working Group’s preliminary report is shared below:
