Oregon’s Democratic U.S. House members have expressed concern over recent firings of federal employees who manage land, warning that this could have drastic consequences for the upcoming fire season. With Oregon’s federal land mainly managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, the firing of employees could lead to delays in fire response and increase the risk to lives, property, and the environment.
In letters to the heads of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior, Oregon’s House members called for the reversal of the recent firings, citing the need for adequate staffing during the fire season. The lawmakers also highlighted the impact of climate change on the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in Oregon and California, stressing the importance of wildfire prevention efforts.
Governors from Western states, including Oregon, have also urged federal officials to reconsider funding cuts and protect grants intended for wildfire mitigation. While the agencies have stated that none of the fired individuals were involved in firefighting, concerns remain about the impact on essential safety positions and critical services.
The congressional letters emphasized the urgent need for ongoing community risk reduction and wildfire mitigation strategies, especially in light of recent devastating fire seasons. Lawmakers have called for immediate attention to the issue and have requested information regarding the number of fired employees and the agency’s plans for supporting personnel managing federal land.
In response to the concerns raised by lawmakers, the federal agencies have pledged to reassess the situation and ensure that critical services remain uninterrupted. As preparations for the upcoming fire season continue, the focus remains on safeguarding lives, property, and the environment from the threat of wildfires.
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