1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's inept and delinquent handling of staffing and hiring within the U.S. Forest Service is a flashing red light as we enter the peak of wildfire season. We’ve all seen the headlines. Indeed, with wildfire seasons are now commonly extended far beyond the norm, and the ability of the U.S. Forest Service will need strengthening. Despite The Trump Administrations lies of reaching hiring goals, internal data reveals over 4,500 firefighting positions - up to 27% - remained unfilled. This severe understaffing poses grave risks to communities across the West facing increasingly destructive wildfires driven by climate change. A letter from the Forest Service Chief underscores the lack of resources to adequately combat the fires, with the letter directing all options be explored including recalling recently departed employees. The staffing crisis has been exacerbated by the administration's own policies - laying off 700 support staff and pushing employees into deferred resignations and early retirements, including 1,600 with critical firefighting qualifications. This willful depletion of expertise and experience within the Forest Service firefighting ranks jeopardizes public safety and displays a reckless disregard for the pressing reality of worsening wildfires. Urgent action is needed to fully staff the Forest Service with qualified personnel and ensure they have the resources necessary to protect lives, homes, and forests. Comprehensive forestry management supported by robust funding and staffing must be a top priority. Thank you for your attention to this matter.