U.S. Forest Service News

U.S. Fire Prevention Budget Tapped to Fight Summer’s Wildfires

The U.S. Forest Service will soon have to scale back some projects designed to help prevent wildfires so that it can meet the expenses of fighting this summer’s round of fires. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said this week that about …

Cause of Arizona Wildfire Under Investigation

A team of investigators from the U.S. Forest Service’s law enforcement wing worked Tuesday to determine the cause of an Arizona wildfire between Flagstaff and Sedona, relying in part on dozens of tips from callers. Coconino National Forest spokesman Brady …

Wildfire in California’s Big Sur 79% Contained

Rain and higher humidity on Thursday helped firefighters battling a wildfire in California’s Big Sur region that has destroyed an estimated 22 homes. The fire in the Los Padres National Forest was 79 percent contained, up 5 percent from the …

Cause Of Rim Fire In California Could Take Months To Determine

There was no evidence of an illegal marijuana grow near the spot where a raging wildfire started near Yosemite National Park, a federal forestry official said Wednesday. Investigators have ruled out the illicit activity as a potential cause, ending speculation …

Yosemite Fire Draws State of Emergency Call in California

The fire in California’s Yosemite National Park is threatening an increased number of structures and it A state of emergency declaration has been issued from Gov. Jerry Brown for the San Francisco area due to the potential effect on its …

Wildfire Nears Las Vegas Area

Fire crews burned forest undergrowth near homes in the mountains northwest of Las Vegas to protect them from one of two large Nevada wildfires while local casino owners offered rooms to evacuees. The wildfire burning northwest of Las Vegas was …

U.S. Fights Growing Wildfire Threat with Shrinking Budget

The tragedy came without warning. Wind split the Arizona wildfire in two, trapping 19 firefighters from the Granite Mountain Hotshots between twin walls of flame that would take their lives. The erosion of U.S. firefighting resources has been much more …

Claims Seek Forest Service Payment For 2011 New Mexico Fire

The federal government is being asked to cough up more than $60 million for damages from the 2011 Las Conchas fire and subsequent flooding in northern New Mexico. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, the Forest Service faces damage …

Colorado Wildfire Destroys 92 Homes

Sheriff’s officials released a preliminary list Wednesday showing the Black Forest Fire northeast of Colorado Springs, Colo. has destroyed at least 92 homes and damaged five more. The fire was among several that surged rapidly Tuesday along Colorado’s Front Range. …

Rain Delays Wildfire Season in Parts Of West

Rain and cooler temperatures mean the wildfire season in Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Montana will start later than initially predicted, officials with the National Interagency Fire Center said Saturday. But wildfire analyst Jeremy Sullens said the wet weather hasn’t been …