Ritter blasts federal cuts in fire funding

Charley Able, Rocky Mountain News

Thursday, April 19, 2007

CENTENNIAL — Reductions in federal forest management funds are heightening Gov. Bill Ritter's concerns about forest fires as Colorado's wildfire season approaches.

In a news media briefing on the resources available for the upcoming fore season, Ritter questioned the federal government's decision to increase funding for forest management in other parts of the nation while $4.3 million has been cut from the U.S. Forest Service budget for such work in Colorado.

"I want to express my concern as the governor of Colorado about the $4.3 million reduction in the United States Forest Service (funding) for forest management, especially with the pine beetle infestation and the warning signs that we are seeing that lead us to believe we could have a more active fire season," Ritter said.

But Ritter said the state is in a strong position heading into the most active time of the year for wildfires and announced he has set aside $3.25 million by executive order for statewide fire protection.

The state has three single-engine air tankers under contract in position around the state to attack fires in their initial stages. To bolster local fire fighting capabilities, the state also will have 10 fire engines stationed at various locations in the "Red Zones" where homes in wildland areas are at risk. The equipment will be used both for fighting fires and preventive measures.

And despite the deployment of National Guard troops and equipment to the battled of the Mideast, the Guard will have helicopters and other support available for fire-fighting, Ritter said.

Wildfire prevention is high on Ritter's list of priorities and he urged the public and Red-Zone communities to do their part in reducing the risk of run-away blazes.

"Individual land owners and communities can reduce fire hazards around homes by trimming and spacing trees, utilizing fire-resistant building materials and installing fuel breaks," Ritter said. "There is so much you can do as communities and individuals in doing the things necessary to prevent fires from taking out homes, taking out buildings and communities."