USFS firefighting is badly understaffed

It’s not all DOGE’s fault, but some of it is.

More than one-quarter of United States Forest Service (USFS) firefighting positions are vacant, creating shortages as extreme conditions lead to wildfires across the country, internal data reviewed by The Guardian has revealed…

“The agency saying it is ‘fully staffed’ is dangerous,” a squad leader who is familiar with the data said. “Maxing out 19-year-olds with no qualifications isn’t the best strategy.”

…In recent years, the USFS has had a hard time recruiting and retaining qualified firefighters due to low pay and increasing job hazards. The agency lost almost half its permanent employees from 2021 to 2024.

The issue has been exacerbated by the Trump administration, which has slashed budgets and reduced support staff. - EcoWatch