Kotv 6 Cal Day reporting
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We're hearing from the Governor, Attorney General and local firefighters following the dismissal of state forestry director Mike Goeller.
Gov. Stitt confirmed Goeller was relieved of his duties. When asked about it in his weekly press conference, the governor said, "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."
I asked the Governor's office for a further explanation on Goeller's dismissal. I received the following statement:
"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."
I've asked the Governor for specific examples on what resources were delayed, unused or called back. I have not received an answer.
- RESPONSE FROM OKLAHOMA ATTORNEY GENERAL:
Goeller's dismissal is facing pushback, including from attorney general Gentner Drummond.
“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.”
- RESPONSE FROM FIREFIGHTERS:
I spoke with Olive volunteer fire chief Jason Dobson, who is frustrated over the decision and governor's comments.
"It was a slap in the face to all of us," he 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."
- GOELLER DURING THE WILDFIRES:
I interviewed Goeller during the Mannford wildfires. He explained how his department was responding.
"We also have an aerial supervision module that's coming here to this fire to start looking at and assessing what the potential threat is for today and beyond," said Goeller on March 15th.