Tidwell Addresses Back Burning concerns

Forest back burning was one of the many topics discussed during Wednesday’s Natural Resource Subcommittee on Federal Lands.  Representative Dan Newhouse addressed forest management and health.  He asked Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell his thoughts on back burning as a method to prevent catastrophic wildfires.  Tidwell said he supports the government’s use of the program.

“For individuals to go out and do that, I don’t see how you could possibly be successful without the supporting resources that are in place, so that is a challenge.”

Tidwell acknowledged that even with back burning wildfire are going to break out each summer.  He said when that occurs, he wants federal officials to work hand in hand with local leaders and citizens.

“When we do get a fire started, and we know what we’re up against, and so we’re working together with the state resources the state fire staff, and county fire staff, and so if an action needs to take place on private land to stop the spread of a wildfire, it’s done in conjunction.”

More private acres are burned each wildfire season than public acres.

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