99% Firefighters Hired, 27% Still MissingâMath Wins!
The Forest Service proudly claimed to have hit 99% firefighter staffing just as wildfire season intensified, but turns out 'grossly inaccurate' is the official figure. ProPublicaâs scoop revealed over 4,500 firefighting vacanciesâproof that the agency counts anyone with a red card, wildly mixing archaeologists distributing snacks with hotshots battling blazes. In a quest for honesty, Rep. Garcia demanded a full accounting, calling out 'Trump Administration layoffs, deferred resignations, and other early retirements' making the situation worse. The Forest Service vows it's 'fully prepared,' proving denial is still an emergency response tactic.
Share the Story
Counting archaeologists handing out snacks as firefighters is the new Forest Service math. 99% hired? More like 27% missing â but hey, if pretending burns calories, theyâre ready for any wildfire.
When your firefighting strategy is 'hide the vacancy,' maybe it's time to stop setting fires in the meeting room and start staffing the frontline.
The Forest Service recruitment strategy: hire anyone with a red card, even if itâs just for passing the fruit basket at a fire camp.
Source: Propublica | Published: 8/14/2025 | Author: by Abe Streep
More Articles in US News
US Shutdown Hits 40 Days, Senators Finally Hustle Sunday AF
Thanksgiving Airlift Cancelled: Controllers Ditch Paychecks, Not Turkeys
Trump Fights Judge Over Food Stamps Like Itâs WWE Finals
Zuccotti Park Gets Christmas Glow-UpâBankers Cry Silent Tears
Texas Girl Dates Twin, Accidentally Skyrockets Standby Airport Drama
