OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Nearly two weeks after devastating wildfires tore through Oklahoma, the man in charge of the state's forest management is out of a job. Mark Goeller was appointed as the state forester and director of the Oklahoma Forestry Service in 2018 and has over 40 years of experien ce leading the front lines. Governor Kevin Stitt says he was not happy with the state's wildfire response. "He's the head of the forestry department and we had a horrible, horrible wildfire in the state of Oklahoma and, you know, didn't think they did a really good job," said Stitt. The March 14 wildfires were a historic event with record-breaking winds and low humidity. "We haven't seen conditions come together like that in some cases in many decades," said Rick Smith, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service, Norman Forecast Office. Over 170,000 acres burned and hundreds of homes were destroyed, including one owned by Stitt. The National Weather Service in Norman says its team started coordinating with the Oklahoma Forestry Service over a week in advance. Equipment was pre-positioned and extra resources were brought in like the super scooper planes. "While it was well forecast, there's only so much you can do to prepare for an event like this," said Smith. Fire officials urging caution during grilling season with recent fires Smith says there wasn't much more a person could have done "In some cases, you just have to wait until the weather changes before you can really do much to to put a dent in the fires, unfortunately," said Smith. It's unclear what part of the wildfire response the governor didn't like. News 4 asked for clarification, but didn't hear back. We also asked why the office didn't issue a statewide burn ban. Senate Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton was acting governor during part of the wildfire response since Stitt was out of state on non-work-related travel. "I stayed in contact with the governor. This is the governor's decision, whether he wants to keep people in certain positions or not, that one is under his purview and I've not talked to the governor about it and I did not have any interaction with the forestry department," said Paxton. A spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry says Goeller's official resignation will be effective Monday. Mark Goeller has been a dedicated public servant for over 40 years. His commitment and leadership in wildland fire response in our state and to Oklahoma’s forestry industry is greatly appreciated, and I wish him the very best in the future. Blayne Arthur, Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture There is no word yet on who may replace him. The firing is causing a stir on social media among the firefighter community, and some argue this is about politics. They urge the public to call the governor's office and demand accountability. ...read more read less