Oklahoma Volunteer Fire Department Calls for Impeachment of Governor Stitt

Oklahoma endured days of a historic wildfire outbreak across the state during the month of March. Over 100 wildfires burned across Oklahoma, impacting towns, homes and farms. Now that most of the first are snuffed, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has decided to blame Oklahoma Forestry Services and has since fired its director and called for the dismantling of the department. Since then, elected officials and firefighters from across the state have condemned the governor for his actions and rhetoric. One volunteer fire station has started a petition for the impeachment of Governor Stitt.

According to a report from the Oklahoma Mesonet, Oklahoma endured 130 wildfires during the month of March. The wildfires began during a historic wind storm on Friday, March 14, where wind gusts exceeded 75 miles per hour. Extreme winds and dry vegetation lead to the ignite of the state's most devastating wildfire outbreaks in the state's history. Fires burned out of control for days, scorching over 170,000 acres across the state, destroying 530 homes and businesses and resulting in nearly 200 wildfire-related injuries. Four fatalities were confirmed as a result of the wildfires in four separate counties across Oklahoma.

On March 15, Governor Stitt declared a state of emergency for 12 counties in Oklahoma that were devastated by wildfires. The governor spoke at a press conference in Mannford where the governor also lost a farm due to the wildfires. But shortly after touring wildfire damage in various areas of Oklahoma, Governor Stitt and Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell were reportedly not in Oklahoma as the state endured nearly a week of wildfires, leaving residents to fend for themselves, volunteer firefighters to leave their paying jobs to protect communities and nonprofits to help those in need.

@2newsoklahoma Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton is acting governor while wildfires rage in Oklahoma. 2 News called, emailed and texted the Governor’s office several times to confirm if he is in the state. We never heard back. @Erin Christy’s full story at the link in our bio. #okfires #governorstitt #oklahoma #wildfires ♬ original sound - 2 News Oklahoma

Stitt fired Oklahoma Forester due to 'lack of resources.'

Before the end of March, Governor Stitt fired the Oklahoma State Forester Mark Goeller, and told KOCO 5 that he fired Goeller because during the historic wildfire outbreak, "resources were delayed, unused, or even called back during critical moments." But Goeller spoke out against the governor, stating that his rhetoric was untrue. Since his firing, other state officials, forestry personnel and firefighters have spoken out in support of Goeller and have condemned the governor for his actions and rhetoric.

Now Governor Stitt is calling for the dismantling of the state's Forestry Services. During a press conference on Wednesday, April 2, the governor stated: "Why do we even have a department of forestry? Let's get rid of the whole thing. That would save $75 million dollars for the taxpayers." Since then, lawmakers, state officials, firefighters and the former State Forester have been speaking against Stitt's accusation against the state's Forestry Services.

Oklahoma volunteer fire department calls for governor's impeachment.

In response to the governor's negative rhetoric towards the Oklahoma Forestry Services, on Oklahoma volunteer fire department has started a petition to call for the impeachment of Governor Stitt. Olive Volunteer Fire Department, located in Drumright, posted to its official Facebook page on Wednesday being "speechless" to the governors' comments about the Oklahoma Forestry Services.

Then on Thursday, April 3, the volunteer fire department posted a link to a Change.org petition for the impeachment of Governor Stitt. In the post, the volunteer fire department said, "Unfortunately, the governor continues his rhetoric and we can not stand by as he threatens the safety of the citizens and firefighters of this great state so now comes the time for his removal."

As of 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 4, the petition has 1,750 verified signatures. The petition indicates that Governor Stitt should be impeached due to "incompetence and mismanagement." The petition also has several hundred comments from signees who support the impeachment of Governor Stitt and most of the commenters are local firefighters in Oklahoma or are volunteer firefighters from across the state.

READ MORE: Here's How To Support Volunteer Firefighters In Oklahoma