Stop Environmental and Economic Destruction From Spreading Like Wildfire

Target: Roger Marshall, Chair of U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Conservation, Climate, Forestry, and Natural Resources

Goal: Champion more investments in prevention and response to devastating wildfires.

Nearly half a dozen wildfires have ravaged southern California, burning acres of land equivalent in size to major cities. Thousands of structures have been destroyed, leaving countless people and animals without a home. Aside from the enormous devastation to wildlife, local humane societies are packed with rescued pets. And the tragedy has taken at least 16 human lives and untold numbers of animal lives. Swift criticism has emerged about the ability of this region’s leaders – and the country as a whole – to adequately prepare for such widescale destruction.

The fire chief for Los Angeles reportedly expressed strong concerns to city leaders as far back as last year about significant cuts to the fire department’s budget. These cuts apparently made funding for more firefighters and for better resources a herculean challenge. After the chief went public with these condemnations, she was reportedly threatened with dismissal. And on a broader scale, many senators have been fighting for a renewed commitment to wildfire prevention investments at the national level. These investments could include a FEMA-style fund dedicated exclusively to wildfire response and expanded support for hiring year-round first responders specifically trained for wildfires.

Sign the petition below to demand leaders make investments to confront and mitigate these growing natural and economic disasters.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Senator Marshall,

California’s current wildfires may prove to be the costliest disaster in state history and among the costliest in America’s history. Rebuilding economically and naturally will likely take years, if not decades. Elected leaders can spend time finger-pointing, or they can roll up their sleeves and work for a united plan of action to this threat that will only increase and expand over time.

While short-term emergency aid will help the process of recovery, it will not address the longer-term funding shortfalls and lacking plans. Former firefighter and recently elected senator Tim Sheehy called wildfires a “year-round, 50-state threat.” He has advocated for stronger wildfire readiness requirements and a national approach that funds wildfire prevention and preparation all year. A FEMA-like fund specifically for wildfires that would help address some of the funding criticisms directed at Los Angeles leaders has also been proposed.

Please make enshrining these proposals and investments into actionable law a top priority.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: CAL FIRE