Former State Forester Mark Goeller has fired back at Governor Kevin Stitt over allegations that he didn’t do his job when wildfires ravaged the state last month.

Goeller, a resident of Seminole County, took to social media Sunday to defend allegations from Stitt, that included claims he withheld resources during the March fires that consumed over 170,000 acres in Oklahoma and claimed four lives. Stitt’s farmhouse near Luther was among the structures destroyed.

“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,” Goeller posted.

“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,” Goeller continued.

In a news conference held last Wednesday, Stitt blasted the Oklahoma Forestry Service’s performance during the wildfires and announced Goeller’s termination.

“He’s the head of the forestry department, and we had a horrible, horrible wildfire in the State of Oklahoma, and I didn’t think they did a really good job,” Stitt told reporters.

On Friday, Stitt elaborated on his decision to dismiss Goeller.

“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,” Stitt said.

Goeller’s firing has drawn sharp criticism from officials all over the state, including 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 in a statement. “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 added.

Jason Dobson, chief of the Olive Volunteer Fire Department, last week released a statement in defense of Goeller, adding that Stitt wasn’t even in the state as the fires raged.

“There was nothing anybody could do to fully prepare for Friday, March 14th. The weather conditions given that day — a persistent drought, unseasonal high temperatures, extremely low humidity and hurricane force winds made for a perfect firestorm. The only one to blame for this is Mother Nature,” Dobson’s statement read in part. “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.”

Goeller concluded his post by thanking those who have shown support for him, and cited a Bible verse that has helped him though what he described as an emotional rollercoaster. “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.”