By Trend News Line 2024-07-08 11:11:48.
Forest Service Investigated for Prescribed Fire Escapes
Two years after the U.S. Forest Service ignited the largest and most destructive wildfire in New Mexico’s history, independent investigators have highlighted gaps that need addressing for the agency to successfully use prescribed fire as a risk-reduction tool in the face of climate change.
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Following the devastation caused by the Hermit’s Peak-Calf Canyon Fire in 2022, U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández requested an investigation by the Government Accountability Office. The congresswoman wanted to understand the factors contributing to prescribed fire escapes over the past decade and whether the Forest Service had followed through on promised reforms after a review of its program.
Escapes and Reforms
The report released on Monday revealed 43 prescribed fire escapes between 2012 and 2021 out of 50,000 projects across national forests in multiple states. With plans to increase prescribed burn operations using federal funding, Leger Fernández emphasized the importance of safety in forest management.
During her recent visit to northern New Mexico, she highlighted the need for responsible forest management, stating, “When you play with fire, there is no margin for error.” The Forest Service conducts around 4,500 prescribed fires annually, clearing fuels on approximately 1.3 million acres of forest land.
Mixed Results and Progress
Despite falling behind on some projects and prioritizing less threatened areas over high-risk communities, the Forest Service acknowledged the need for improvement. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore stated that the agency would create a corrective action plan based on the GAO’s findings and increase training for specialized burn crews.
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While the agency reported record fuel treatments in 2023, the GAO highlighted important gaps in the implementation of reforms recommended after the Hermit’s Peak-Calf Canyon Fire. The Forest Service is urged to develop a comprehensive plan, set goals, measure progress, and allocate resources for effective reform management.
Hope for Change
Leger Fernández expressed hope for swift change in forest management practices, as wildfires become more costly and dangerous. She emphasized the urgency of addressing the evolving nature of wildfires, stating, “They are killer fires now. They move very fast, and people cannot get out of the way fast enough.”
As the Forest Service navigates the complexities of implementing reforms and cultural shifts, the need for proactive measures to mitigate wildfire risks remains paramount. The GAO’s recommendations underscore the importance of strategic planning, goal-setting, and resource allocation to drive effective change within the agency.
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– Prescribed fires review gaps in key areas for US Forest Service safety improvement
– US Forest Service aims to enhance safety through prescribed fires review gaps in key areas.
