Reps. Calvert and Kim Lead Letter Questioning Cleveland National Forest Staffing Shortfall

Today, Reps. Ken Calvert (CA-41) and Young Kim (CA-40) led a bipartisan letter along with Reps. Darrell Issa (CA-48), Mike Levin (CA-49) and Lou Correa (CA-46) to the Supervisor of the Cleveland National Forest (CNF) about staffing shortfalls. The letter expresses serious concerns about the CNF managements’ decision not to accept staffing assistance offered by the Orange County Fire Authority earlier this year. On September 9, 2024, the Airport Fire started on the Orange County side of the CNF before burning 23,526 acres, including 160 structures destroyed and 24 structures damaged.

“It is critical that we have Forest Service fire personnel and resources in place during wildfire season,” said Rep. Calvert. “My colleagues and I need a better understanding of the extent of the staffing shortfall at the CNF and why offers of assistance were not accepted. There are a number of factors that have led to a drop in hiring federal wildland firefighters, including pay disparities with state and local firefighters. By getting answers to these questions we can work together to ensure the necessary firefighting personnel is available to protect our communities.”

“As first responders work around the clock to contain the Airport Fire that spread over tens of thousands of acres, I was concerned to learn that U.S. Forest Service refused additional support staff from OCFA – that would have come at no additional cost to USFS – to address staff shortages ahead of wildfire season,” said Rep. Young Kim. “Their decision makes no sense and looks even more reckless given the deadly wildfires spreading across our communities. We need transparency, which is why Rep. Ken Calvert and I are leading the bipartisan charge for answers.”

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