This year, there have been over 40,000 forest fires. The US government has been criticized for laying off staff, resulting in a severe shortage of frontline personnel

There have been 40,000 forest fires in the United States this year. Many forestry Bureau officials have criticized the federal agency layoffs carried out by the US government, which have led to a severe shortage of frontline rescue workers.

Reuters interviewed more than 10 current and retired people. They disclosed that about 5,000 people have left their jobs in the past five months, accounting for 15% of the total number, making it difficult to fill key positions and even forcing them to undertake administrative tasks.

New Mexico Senator Heinrich criticized the US government for cutting 3,400 probationary employees of the Forest Service, three quarters of whom had red cards eligible for rescue operations. In an email statement on July 11, he said: "The wildfire season has fully kicked off, but due to the operations of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Trump..." The community is simply unable to deal with the deadly wildfires."

A fire brigade member in Oregon said that the team had been starving for several days, lacking medical supplies and even had to search everywhere for gasoline to refuel the chainsaw. "I have team members who work continuously for 16 hours and still have to go to bed hungry at night." "

Duncan, the commander of a wildfire in New Mexico, said that firefighters were forced to take on logistical roles and the long-term shortage of manpower had also affected the dispatch of fire vehicles. They were sent to answer the phone, clean the campsite toilets and mow the lawn of the government office.

However, the Forestry Bureau denied the above accusations and emphasized that resources remain abundant.

Isaacson, a spokesperson for the Central Oregon region of the U.S. Forest Service, said that national and local fire teams are ready for this summer.

As of now, nearly 41,000 wildfires have occurred across the country, the highest on federal records since 2015.

Last week, the director of the Forestry Bureau, Schultz, sent a memorandum to his subordinates, demanding that all employees with fire protection qualifications and "red cards" be involved in dealing with the fire season.

Schultz said at a Senate hearing last month that authorities are currently trying to temporarily recall about 1,400 former "Red Card" employees who had previously resigned voluntarily. When asked about preparations, he replied, "I believe they are ready."