Govenor OK's Hiring of Figherfighters...SB SUN 062306

This is a huge switch then what it was a few months ago. They were calling for a reduction of the Firefighters by half, and right when we were heading into the fire season. But I think they got that all figured out now. I hope, or should I say lets hope!!

BSRanch

Governor OKs hiring of firefighters
Louis Amestoy, Staff Writer

HEMET - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an executive order Thursday authorizing the California Department of Forestry to hire firefighters for areas of high fire danger, including some areas in the Inland Empire.

Appearing at the CDF's air tanker base at Hemet's Ryan Field, Schwarzenegger met with fire commanders, firefighters and other fire officials about the state's high fire danger.

The fire season officially began June 5, and fire officials told the governor that the forests of Southern California are still dealing with a devastating infestation of bark beetles, which have killed thousands of trees.

"This is a very critical need for our state," Schwarzenegger said before signing the order. "I have seen the devastating effect wildfires can have. In 2003, I visited areas hit by the terrible wildfires here in Southern California. I am calling on Californians to do their part to promote fire safety in our communities.

"California has the greatest firefighters. My administration is committed to giving them all the tools to meet these challenges."

The executive order gives fire commanders the ability to bring in additional resources, including the National Guard, to help battle blazes around the state. Over the last five years, the CDF has fought an average of 5,600 fires per year. Since 2001, more than 170,000 acres per year have been scorched by wildfires.

The order also gives fire commanders the flexibility to determine where best to put their firefighters, fire engines and other personnel during major fires. The move is in contrast to federal firefighting plans, which have called for reduced staffing this year.

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CDF provides service to two cities in San Bernardino County Highland and Yucaipa, and 14 Riverside County cities.

Some of the authority given to the CDF:

Assigning at least four firefighters to stations in high fire danger areas.

Assigning fire lookouts.

Staffing two additional CDF conservation camps.

The order gives the CDF the authority to fully staff helicopter crews during the fire season.

Schwarzenegger's appearance in Hemet was symbolic because of Riverside County's battle with CDF officials to keep firefighting airplanes and helicopters at the county-owned airport, which has long been the home of both CDF and U.S. Forest Service firefighting aircraft.

State officials wanted to move the base to March Air Reserve Base near Riverside, but county officials protested and were ultimately supported by the governor.

"The people of the Inland Empire are grateful that this air attack base will stay here in Hemet," said Assemblyman Russ Bogh, R-Yucaipa, who represents the Hemet area as well as portions of San Bernardino County, including Yucaipa, the Morongo Valley and Twentynine Palms.

The air base serves all of Riverside County, including the San Gorgonio Pass and the San Bernardino National Forest.