A vehicle sits in the driveway of a home that was destroyed during wildfires on March 16, 2025 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Photo: Getty Images
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has announced the creation of a wildfire working group to enhance the state's response to wildfires. This decision follows last month's devastating wildfires that claimed four lives and destroyed over 500 homes. The governor's move comes amid controversy after he fired Oklahoma Forestry Services Director Mark Goeller, citing a failure to deploy all available resources during the crisis.
Governor Stitt's actions have sparked debate among lawmakers, fire officials, and the public. Some support his call for accountability, while others criticize the decision as hasty and potentially harmful to the state's wildfire management. The governor lost his ranch near Luther in the fires, adding a personal dimension to the situation.
Initially, Stitt suggested eliminating the Oklahoma Forestry Services, a proposal that faced significant backlash from firefighters and state officials. Stitt has since retracted this idea, instead focusing on improving wildfire response strategies.
As the working group begins its efforts, the focus will be on enhancing Oklahoma's wildfire mitigation, suppression, and recovery capabilities to prevent future tragedies.