"US Forest Service downsizes, loses 15% of workforce. Firefighters face shortages after 1,400 support staff leave, critics say. USFS says firefighters ready for above-normal fire year prediction."
"The U.S. Forest Service faced criticism from current and former employees who say federal workforce reductions under the Trump administration have left fire teams understaffed, as the country grapples with decade-high U.S. wildfire numbers this year.
The agency, which oversees the nation's largest wildland firefighting force, rejected those claims, saying it has sufficient resources.
However, more than a dozen active and retired U.S. Forest Service employees told Reuters the agency is struggling to fill critical roles after approximately 5,000 employees - roughly 15% of its workforce - quit in the past five months."
Andrew Hay reports for Reuters July 21, 2025.
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