South OC Times

U.S. Representative Young Kim recently hosted House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman in California's 40th District to assess the impact of the Airport Fire, which affected over 23,000 acres in Orange and Riverside counties. The visit included a roundtable discussion with local first responders and community leaders.

Participants in the roundtable were officials from the U.S. Forest Service, Orange County Fire Authority, Anaheim Fire and Rescue, Orange Fire Department, Brea Fire Department, and canyon community leaders.

Rep. Kim emphasized the importance of addressing wildfire challenges: "Our communities across California’s 40th District – especially in the canyons – know firsthand the devastation wildfires can cause. That’s why I brought House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Westerman here to learn from first responders and residents on the ground," she stated. She expressed hope that these discussions would lead to effective solutions for her district.

Chairman Westerman highlighted the need for legislative action: "No one knows more about the crisis facing America’s forests than our brave first responders and local residents who live under the constant threat of wildfire. The fact remains that decades of mismanagement have turned far too many of our forests into unhealthy, overgrown tinderboxes." He advocated for legislation like the Fix Our Forests Act and praised Rep. Kim's efforts on behalf of her constituents.

Images from their visit are available through Congresswoman Young Kim's office.