Firefighters struggle with staffing shortages amid record wildfire season
Summary
Firefighters across the U.S. are facing big challenges due to a shortage of staff and equipment during a record wildfire season. Cuts to the U.S. Forest Service workforce, including essential support and management staff, have made it harder to fight large and frequent wildfires.Key Facts
- In Spokane, Washington, firefighters had very few people and trucks to fight a large wildfire that destroyed many homes.
- This wildfire, called the Spokane Complex Fire, burned over 10,000 acres and destroyed about 900 buildings.
- Firefighters say wildfires are now bigger and happen more often than before.
- The U.S. Forest Service, which employs many wildland firefighters, lost about 6,000 workers last year, roughly 16% of its staff.
- Many of the lost employees were support staff who handle important tasks like arranging equipment and water supply during fires.
- The cuts followed years of people leaving for better pay and work conditions elsewhere.
- Mid-level Forest Service managers and key firefighting roles are also missing, causing further strain.
- Firefighters describe the current situation as "running thin" and having to move resources around without enough backup.
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