The Forest Service prepares annually for fire season, but this year included alarming admissions about limited resources. Employees were told that help would not arrive in times of need due to staffing shortages. Over 4,800 personnel left the agency, resulting in 4,500 vacant firefighting positions. Despite claims from the Forest Service of successful hiring efforts, internal data shows concerning vacancy rates, especially in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain Regions. Disputes over the agency's actual readiness persist amidst escalating fire activity.
"Every spring, Forest Service fire leaders meet to plan for the upcoming fire season. This year, some employees were shocked by the blunt remarks made during a meeting..."
"Agency leaders already knew it might be a bad wildfire season, made worse by having fewer hands available to help out. The Forest Service lost at least 1,800 fire-qualified..."
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