South OC Times

U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Ken Calvert (CA-41), along with Reps. Lou Correa (CA-46), Mike Levin (CA-49), and Darrell Issa (CA-48), have addressed concerns regarding staffing shortfalls in the Cleveland National Forest (CNF). In a letter to CNF Supervisor Scott Tangenberg, the representatives questioned the management's decision to refuse fire station staff support offered by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) earlier this year.

The Airport Fire, which began on September 9, 2024, in Trabuco Canyon on the Orange County side of CNF, has burned 23,526 acres, destroyed 160 structures, and damaged 24 others.

"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. 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."

"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 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."

The letter highlights ongoing recruitment and retention challenges within CNF for at least one year. The CNF website indicates at least 19 fire-related job vacancies remain unfilled since July during peak fire season.

A letter from OCFA dated January 3, 2024, addressed staffing shortages at CNF fire stations with further correspondence on April 9, 2024 offering OCFA staff at no cost to U.S. Forest Service was also declined.

For these reasons, they request answers regarding:

1. Duration of significant job vacancies.

2. Responsibility for hiring delays.

3. Actions taken over the past year addressing recruitment and retention.

4. Number of applicants per vacancy and reasons qualified candidates were not hired.

5. Contact with USFS Region 5 or Washington D.C., their responses.

6. Reasons for refusing OCFA’s offer.

The representatives seek greater transparency and accountability from CNF management regarding these issues.