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Federal Response Intensifies Amid Wildfires in Southern California
The Biden administration is mobilizing personnel and resources across various government sectors to combat the wildfires ravaging parts of the Los Angeles area. However, frontline firefighters from federal agencies have voiced concerns about the adequacy of support they are receiving.
Among those on the ground are hundreds of personnel from the U.S. Forest Service, particularly engaged in combating the Eaton fire affecting Altadena and Pasadena in Southern California. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working to oversee the federal response, with President Biden appointing Curtis Brown as the federal coordinating officer for the incident. Multiple fires in the region have already consumed tens of thousands of acres, led to the destruction of over 2,000 structures, and resulted in at least five fatalities.
National Federation of Federal Employees
In response to the escalating situation, President Biden declared a major disaster on Wednesday, unlocking federal funding for temporary housing assistance, rebuilding efforts, low-interest loans, and debris removal. Additionally, he sanctioned Federal Management Assistance Grants to reimburse state and local authorities for firefighting expenditures.
“My team and I are maintaining contact with state and local officials, and I have extended an offer for whatever federal assistance is necessary to tackle the ongoing Pacific Palisades fire,” Biden stated on Wednesday. “My administration will do everything possible to assist in the response efforts.”
Currently, FEMA has deployed 126 personnel to the affected regions, with plans to increase this number in the upcoming days. Administrator Deanne Criswell and Lori Moore-Merrell, chief of FEMA’s U.S. Fire Administration, are also on-site. Following a recent replenishment of its Disaster Relief Fund by Congress, FEMA currently possesses $27 billion to allocate for disaster response efforts.
“FEMA is dedicated to collaborating with the state of California and our federal and nonprofit partners to aid the residents impacted by these devastating wildfires,” a spokesperson stated. “Our thoughts are with those families and communities enduring losses due to the fires, and we will remain involved for as long as necessary to aid in recovery.”
The president has also requested additional firefighting units from the Defense Department, prompting the Navy and Central Command to deploy aircraft for fire suppression. The National Weather Service is actively coordinating with local authorities, providing continuous weather updates critical for predicting fire behavior. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency has teams on standby to monitor air quality in the region.
On the frontlines, the U.S. Forest Service has mobilized five large air tankers, 10 firefighting helicopters, and numerous fire engines in preparation for combatting the wildfires.
Despite these efforts, the agency is facing financial constraints. Funding from Congress has not met requested levels, and previous supplemental funding sources—most notably from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—are no longer available. In the fiscal year 2024, total funding for the Forest Service has decreased by approximately 8%, and the agency is currently operating under a continuing resolution at this reduced budget level. This situation has necessitated a hiring freeze, particularly affecting non-fire seasonal roles.
In a message to employees, Forest Service Chief Randy Moore acknowledged that the workforce is feeling the strain. He committed to not demanding more from his team given the current limitations.
National Federation of Federal Employees
“It is clear that we lack the funding necessary to perform the level of work expected of us,” Moore emphasized.
Steve Gutierrez, a former firefighter with a 15-year tenure at the Forest Service and now a representative of employees through the National Federation of Federal Employees, shared insights regarding the ongoing efforts. While the hiring freeze has not yet hindered firefighting operations, he noted that roles related to logistics, communication, human resources, and equipment transportation remain unfilled, potentially jeopardizing efficiency on the ground, as these personnel are critical for supporting firefighters.
“These individuals play an essential role in our operations,” Gutierrez pointed out.
USFS Deputy Chief John Crockett informed employees last month that the agency is striving to balance fiscal responsibility with operational readiness. Measures include establishing a “hiring board” to manage staffing in fire and aviation programs effectively.
“While some staffing adjustments are essential for financial stability, our objectives remain focused: to respond effectively to incidents and mitigate wildfire risks,” Crockett stated.
National Federation of Federal Employees
In a recent conversation, Gutierrez mentioned that firefighters are adjusting their strategies in response to these unusual fire patterns. Unlike typical scenarios where crews work on the frontlines, many of them are now focusing on evacuations and saving lives, demonstrating their adaptability in the face of evolving challenges.
“The behavior of these fires is unprecedented for this area,” Gutierrez remarked.
He noted that while the current fire patterns are distinctive, winter outbreaks are not entirely unexpected, especially given the prolonged dry conditions this year. “The agency has effectively transitioned to a year-round fire response system. This isn’t solely an issue for California; it’s a national concern,” he stressed.
With Congress approving temporary pay increases of either $20,000 or 50% of base salary for federal firefighters as part of recent legislation, there has been ongoing advocacy to make these increases permanent. Recently, Congress extended this pay enhancement through March within a stopgap funding measure. Many believe that the inability to secure permanent pay adjustments could hinder the U.S. Forest Service’s efforts to recruit and retain necessary personnel.
Currently, the Forest Service employs over 10,000 firefighters but aims to bolster this number to 11,300 by the peak of the upcoming fire season in mid-July.
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