r/Wildfire USFS Feb 19 '25

News (General) Hiring freeze of firefighters could be deadly, Forest Service captain warns

https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/wildfires/hiring-freeze-firefighters-deadly-forest-service-captain-warns-rcna192494

Great one!

327 Upvotes

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95

u/realityunderfire Feb 19 '25 edited Feb 19 '25

As I’ve been watching all this unfold for the past 29 days my main thought has been: this season is going to be dangerous. Especially if it’s an active season.

My prediction is massive lack of leadership presence Massive lack of funding for anything Massive shortage of work force

Any other predictions I missed?

27

u/lowsparkedheels Feb 19 '25

Trump has never liked to pay his bills, be it contractors, taxes, lawyers or communities where he holds his rallies.

Why would anyone think he would change his grift?

13

u/realityunderfire Feb 19 '25

And even if he did space Karen would just pluck it out of the checking account.

2

u/lowsparkedheels Feb 19 '25

You mean space leon?

10

u/Butterfly_1729 Feb 19 '25

I’m wondering if this will affect fire contracts as well. Why would a contractor accept a federal contract if Trump is not going to pay?

13

u/lowsparkedheels Feb 19 '25

Correct. The whole idea is to get out of paying independent contractors and subcontractors (really anyone) the value of work performed.

In addition, this new 'doge' system that Trump/Elon are ramrodding onto American govt agencies is operating under nebulous practices with absolutely no oversight.

This business model will carry onto the private business sector.