A federal hiring freeze, ordered by President Donald Trump, is hindering the U.S. Forest Service’s ability to hire and onboard thousands of federal firefighters, prompting concerns of deadly consequences as the national wildfire response operates at a diminished capacity. Capt. Ben McLane, serving in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington, warned that the freeze could leave the federal fire force understaffed for the upcoming fire season. The hiring process for federal firefighters is lengthy due to background checks, leading to fears of being ill-prepared for the fire season, which is now practically year-round. McLane, a senior firefighter, emphasized the importance of having a well-trained and qualified workforce ready for the call of service. The hiring freeze has caused frustration among federal firefighters, with concerns about losing experienced staff and the potential dangers this poses.
Despite pleas from Democratic senators to exempt firefighters from the hiring freeze, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, overseeing the Forest Service, has not addressed the issue, leaving many firefighters in limbo regarding their employment status. With a workforce that specializes in fighting wildfires and the experience they bring, the impact of the hiring freeze on the firefighting efforts across the country could be significant. McLane and other firefighting professionals are advocating for the hiring freeze to be lifted to ensure that the public receives the lifesaving service they deserve in the face of ongoing wildfires that continue to pose threats to communities.
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