Just in time for summer: Budget cuts force Forest Service to skimp on firefighters, trucks

[xchrom]

http://grist.org/news/just-in-time-for-summer-budget-cuts-force-forest-service-to-skimp-on-firefighters-trucks/


Tea Partiers who watched gleefully as the sequester slashed government spending are welcome to douse forest fires near their homes with teapots full of Earl Grey this summer. Across-the-board budget cuts mean federal wildfire fighting efforts could be overwhelmed.

The U.S. Forest Service will hire 500 fewer firefighters this year and 50 fewer fire engines will be available than previously expected, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week. The Interior Department also plans to pare back its firefighting crews.


The seasonal firefighting jobs are going up in smoke because of Congress’s inability to come up with a national spending plan. President Obama called for spending cuts and tax increases to help balance the budget, but Republicans would have none of the latter.

[newfie11]

1. I am very glad we moved out of the SD Black Hills

One 86000 acre was enough for us. The bug trees are even worse now.
The slurrys are badly needed and worth their weight in gold.
They are now stationed in Casper Wy.

[bahrbearian]

2. Good thing they fixed the FAA, so congress can fly over the fires.