As wildfire season approaches, U.S. ready

As you read this, I am in a conference call with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and other government officials discussing their readiness for this year's wildfire season, which is expected to be horrific.

The officials say some 15,000 local, state and federal firefighters stand ready for whatever comes their way.

From their news release:

The Secretaries described federal capability to respond to wildfires that are becoming more complex, particularly in areas where urban populations are situated near forested and rangeland areas. Firefighting capabilities are available to handle the fire season, they declared, with more than 15,000 firefighters available in 2012, including permanent and seasonal federal and state employees, crews from tribal and local governments, contract crews, and temporary hires.

"We are ready to meet the challenge," said Secretary Vilsack. "The National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy provides a strong, new blueprint to ensure community safety and the restoration of ecosystems to benefit all Americans, especially those who live in the urban-wildland interface areas. Our concern does not stop at the border of federal lands, but rather a strategy that is an all-lands approach for safety and wildfire management.”

On average the USDA Forest Service and the Department of the Interior bureaus respond to more than 20,000 wildfires per year, suppressing all but a small percentage of them on initial attack.

“Regions across the country face serious risks of extreme wildfires this year because of the mild winter and low precipitation levels in many areas,” said Secretary Salazar. “Knowing the risks and preparing for the wildfire season is a key part of a successful fire response, and Interior will continue to coordinate closely with federal, state, local and tribal partners to ensure we are ready for any fire scenario. Our thousands of firefighting men and women stand ready to suppress wildfires as early as possible to minimize human safety risks and prevent damage to the environment and our economy.”

Much of the 500 million acres of public land managed by the Department of the Interior is in the low-elevation rangelands in the West, where grasses and shrubs provide an abundant wildfire fuel source – especially after mild winters. DOI’s wildfire prevention and suppression funding availability for fiscal year 2012 is $736 million; the Department employs 3,500 firefighters among its bureaus.

“We urge citizens in at-risk areas to take necessary precautions,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “That means stay informed and make a family plan. FEMA’s Ready Campaign provides more information at www.Ready.gov,” he added.

For my story, check CapitalPress.com soon.