President Donald Trump's executive orders shrinking the federal workforce make a notable exception for public safety staff, including those who fight wildland fires. But ongoing cuts, funding freezes and hiring pauses have weakened the nation's already strained firefighting force by hitting support staff who play crucial roles in preventing and battling blazes.

NEW: Trump said government cuts wouldn't affect public safety. But staffing changes at the Forest Service have weakened an already strained firefighting force by hitting support staff who play crucial roles in preventing and battling blazes.

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-- ProPublica (@propublica.org) April 7, 2025 at 8:00 AM