WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed today called on the U.S. Forest Service to stand ready to assist Rhode Island as the state deals with the elevated risk of forest and brush fires.

Over the last several weeks, dry, windy conditions and warm weather prompted the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) to advise citizens to be cautious when disposing of burnt charcoal, wood, and ashes because should a forest fire develop it has the potential to spread rapidly.

“Due the dry weather we’ve had, Rhode Island is facing elevated fire danger and forest and brush fires can be a major problem.  State and local officials and firefighters are on alert and working together to monitor the situation.  Should the need arise, the federal government should be ready to quickly step in and help,” said Reed, the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the U.S. Forest Service.  “Healthy forests are critical to our environment and our economy.”

According to the U.S. Forest Service, over half of Rhode Island is forested and close to 4,000 jobs in the state are forestry-based.

Mid-March through mid-May is the traditional spring brush fire period in Rhode Island. 

In his letter to U.S. Forest Chief Tom Tidwell, Senator Reed wrote: “In light of the elevated risk, I request the Forest Service ready its resources to address this matter, and I urge you to move expeditiously to combat any fires that require assistance in conjunction with local and Rhode Island authorities, should they request your aid.”

The U.S. Forest Service, in support of state-determined goals, provides grants and technical assistance to protect people, property, and resources.  Senator Reed recently helped secure program funding which provided $30,000 in Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to help equip and train local firefighters in the Incident Command System and wildland firefighting skills.  The Forest Service’s Smokey Bear program also helps deliver fire prevention messages at locations throughout Rhode Island.

The U.S. Forest Service helps sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.  Recreational activities on our lands contribute $14.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy.  The U.S. Forest Service manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

The full text of Senator Reed’s letter follows:

April 19, 2012

The Honorable Tom Tidwell

Chief

U.S. Forest Service

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-1111

 

Dear Chief Tidwell:

 

I write regarding the elevated risk of fire dangers in Rhode Island.  As you know, 55 percent of Rhode Island is forested land, a large percentage given that the state also has the second highest population density of any state in the nation.  The United States Forest Service has provided indispensable assistance to states when called upon to aid in fighting forest and brush fires.  I want you to be aware of the situation in Rhode Island, and ask the Forest Service to be prepared to contribute to the containment of fires in the event federal assistance is needed.

 

Most of the affected communities are equipped to handle brush fires, and the state of Rhode Island has already been providing resources to manage forest fires. 

 

However, due to high winds, lack of rainfall, and very little snowmelt, Rhode Island has been under high fire danger for the past month.  In light of the elevated risk, I request the Forest Service ready its resources to address this matter, and I urge you to move expeditiously to combat any fires that require assistance in conjunction with local and Rhode Island authorities, should they request your aid.

 

Thank you for your attention to this issue and I look forward to continuing to work with you.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jack Reed

United States Senator