It is only April, yet many communities in California already have seen small wildfires break out.  Clearly, while hoping for the best in the upcoming fire season, California needs to prepare for the worst. 

As we get ready for the upcoming fire season, many questions have been raised about whether the United States Forest Service is prepared, with an adequate force of Federal firefighters.  This is an issue of great concern to me because Federal firefighters are an important part of the overall team of Federal, state and local firefighters who respond to fires in California.

I have written to the Secretary of Agriculture not just to express my concern about the Federal firefighting force, but also to urge that a staff retention plan be created to address specific challenges the U.S. Forest Service faces in California.  A copy of my letter is available by using this link.

Many communities around California are taking extra steps to prevent wildfires, and a vital part of the preparation effort must be an adequate force of Federal firefighters.  You can count on me to continue to work to that end.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator