According to some in Washington, the Forest Service’s inability to share with the public the potential consequences of the sequestration law is the lack of an operating plan, which must first be shared and approved by an Appropriations Committee.
But it is likely the initially sequestration reductions will result in 500 fewer firefighters nationwide.
According to unconfirmed reports in a national newspaper, the Forest Service’s wildfire funding may be reduced an additional $500 million.
So I still cannot provide you with fully accurate information regarding the Forest Service’s plans for the coming fire season.
The Federal Aviation Administration is able to identify which air traffic control towers will be closed. Two in Riverside County — Riverside Municipal and Ramona — will be affected.
The airports will not be closed, but coordination of flights will be the responsibility of the pilots.
Now shouldn’t we know how much help the Forest Service will be able to provide the Hill this summer in case of a fire?
Shouldn’t their local partners — Idyllwild Fire and Riverside County Fire — have some idea, just as the pilots do, what they will have to do alone?
I’ll keep you posted.
Speaking of fires, which are typically emergencies, I want to congratulate and thank Bill Baker for the work he has done for R.A.C.E.S. during past fires and to prepare for potential future emergencies.
The county Office of Emergency Services wanted to present Bill with a plaque at a MEMSCOMM meeting, but it didn’t happen. This week, Bill received the recognition at the weekly Woodies project.