Experts express concern over the U.S. Forest Service Chief's annual letter emphasizing fire suppression over managed fire strategies. While suppression is necessary, many believe the focus should shift towards incorporating prescribed burns to restore ecological balance. Chief Tom Schultz's conservative approach to managed fires has disappointed some experts who argue for a more science-based method that would better prepare the agency for future fire seasons and address the long-term ecological role of fire.
"It is critical that we suppress fires as swiftly as possible to minimize the amount of fireline exposure... This means employing direct attack tactics when... feasible."
"We need to fight it, sure, but we need to put the same intensity into lighting it."
"Many fire experts... would like to see it be more lenient and science-based."
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