Chairman Murkowski Issues Statement at Hearing on Wildland Fire Outlook
"Good morning, everyone. The committee will come to order.
"It's nice to be able welcome back to the committee
"Last Friday, the
"The Tinder Fire, sparked on
"The number of wildfires and acres that ultimately burn in 2018 depends not only on wildfire potential and forest conditions, but on the timing of lightning strikes and human-caused ignitions.
"Nationwide, people are responsible for starting 84 percent of the wildfires. And by starting so many fires, many through human carelessness people are essentially lengthening the fire season into the early spring and later fall, times of the year when lightning does not have a major role.
"The
"So, with the 2018 fire season upon us I want to start with a plea to people everywhere - just please be smart about fire. We can make a measurable difference in what this wildfire season ends up looking like, and it starts with being careful.
"It's also time to execute a multipronged federal-state-local strategy to meet the increasing challenges presented by wildland fire in a cost-efficient manner.
"First is innovation. Our committee discusses innovation at length on the energy side of the policy shop, but we also have significant opportunities with respect to land and wildfire management.
"Last fall, we held an entire hearing on wildfire technology. I'm particularly interested in the use of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, which are playing a greater role in wildfire management response from detecting, mapping and even helping to contain wildfires. It is far cheaper to operate, maintain, and train personnel on drones, and it also helps reduce risks for pilots, crews, and firefighters.
"
"We can and should do more to embrace technology in land management, including in wildfire management. I know
"After that, we need to look for opportunities to increase efficiencies in wildland fire operations at the federal level. The
"I have also said, over and over again, that wildfire is not just a budget problem. It is a management problem - meaning we must actively manage our forests.
"In
"In the FY 2018 omnibus,
"I want to end by saying that to effectively fight fires and manage the lands, you must rid your agencies of sexual harassment, bullying, and retaliation. Workplace misconduct cannot be tolerated, especially on the fire lines in the field. Focus on the mission - and be professional about it - or be ready to face the consequences.
"So with that, again I would like to welcome the Interim Chief of the
"I thank you both for being with us today, I look forward to our discussion today as we work to reduce wildfires across the country.
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