CHICO, Calif. — Concerns are mounting over fire safety as federal budget cuts lead to significant layoffs within the U.S. Forest Service. Tanya Torst, a former employee from the Mendocino National Forest in Chico, has voiced her worries about how these reductions will impact wildfire prevention efforts.
Torst, who was instrumental in securing $12 million for the removal of dead trees and other combustible materials, warns that the recent terminations will result in a critical shortage of resources necessary for wildfire prevention. “The firing of these employees will reduce the workforce and undermine efforts to keep forests safe from fire hazards,” Torst stated. She emphasized the dedication of the laid-off staff, noting, “Many of the people laid off have been with the Forest Service for years. We dedicated our lives to protecting our forests and serving our country.”
The U.S. Forest Service recently cut approximately 2,000 probationary, non-firefighting positions. This move aligns with a broader initiative led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under former President Trump’s directive to eliminate roles considered non-essential to wildfire response.
The USDA, responsible for overseeing the Forest Service, has defended the decision, asserting its commitment to maintaining critical safety positions to ensure essential services continue. However, Torst and other critics maintain that many of the terminated employees played vital roles in managing hazardous fuels that contribute to wildfire spread.
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