News 4: Wildfire response hindered by federal hiring freeze, Nevada senators urge action

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by Will Payne

Tue, February 25th 2025 at 11:08 AM

Updated Tue, February 25th 2025 at 11:59 AM

In 2024, 64,800 wildfires scorched 9 million acres across the United States, with federal seasonal crews typically assisting state firefighters during large-scale blazes like the Davis Fire. However, a recent budget freeze by President Trump has halted the hiring and onboarding of these crucial roles.

Nevada's senators, along with 13 of their Senate colleagues, have taken action by writing a letter to the Trump Administration. "We have been reaching out to the administration to say, 'exempt our firefighters from the hiring freeze and from forced resignations, and make sure to release funds to the community,'" said Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto.

Cortez Masto expressed frustration with the administration's treatment of federal firefighters who recently completed their duties in Los Angeles. "They've also basically said to these firefighters who just fought the California fires that instead of a thank you, what they basically sent to them was a letter asking for the resignation," she said.

In Nevada, where over 80% of the land is federally owned, the impact of the hiring freeze is a significant concern. Kacey KC, a state forester and fire warden with the Nevada Division of Forestry, noted that her team is currently hiring state firefighters but is worried about any reduction in federal forces.

"People will still come if there is a reduction it puts a little bit more of the onus on state and local governments, and contract forces," KC said.