US Forest Service Prescribed Burns Decline
The U.S. The Forest Service declined a request for an interview regarding the budget change. The American Petroleum Institute warned that fuel shortages could hinder responses during the peak fire season from June through September. Federal forecasters predict an active fire season across much of the Western United States. The agency stated it maintains flexibility to increase spending if necessary. Austin Amistoy reported for NPR that fuel availability is critical for response capabilities during the peak June to September timeframe. The US Forest Service experienced a staff reduction of more than 5,000 employees as of last summer. This reduction is part of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce the size of government.
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Sources · 7 independent
“the Forest Service has budgeted $45 million for fire aviation fuel this year. That's 7 million less than it spent last year.”
“fuel this year. That's 7 million less than it spent last year.”
“The American Petroleum Institute says the state has... if we don't have the fuel to respond, we just can't respond. The U.S. Forest Service has not responded to our questions about whether it anticipates a shortage this year of fuel for firefighting aircraft.”
“The U.S. Forest Service has not responded to our questions about whether it anticipates a shortage this year of fuel for firefighting aircraft, and the agency says it has flexibility to spend more if it needs to.”
“In 2025, the first year of Trump's current term, the agency reduced vegetation on much less acreage than the year before, almost a million and a half acres less.”
“The Forest Service burned only about half as much acreage in 2025 compared to the two previous years.”
“as of last summer, the agency lost more than 5,000 employees, part of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce the size of government.”
“In 2025, the first year of Trump's current term, the agency reduced vegetation on much less acreage than the year before, almost a million and a half acres less.”
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