Kelley Requests Additional Federal Funding For Forest Fire Prevention

DES governor asks federal government for more funding and resources

RIDGEVIEW, DES--Deschire still faces a high risk of forest fires, Governor Sharon Kelley said Monday. Because of higher temperatures and a lack of moisture, the governor is requesting additional funding from the federal government.

Speaking to a group of fire fighters in Ridgeview, Kelley warned "the fire season is not over," and "Deschire is still at risk" for devestating wildfires.

She called on President Byelle and the Department of Federal Lands to provide more funding for fire prevention, and more resources in case fires flare up.

This year's fire season has been relatively uneventful. The nation's largest wildfire is burning in northeastern Wellington, and has consumed over 30,000 acres. Other big fires are burning in southwestern Remmington and southern Monomi. The state of Deschire has had few significant wildfires, with the largest one burning 1,300 acres northeast of Berivian.

So far this year, only Wellington Governor Peter Kosevich has declared a state of emergency. Last year, however, four governors declared emergencies with over sixty wildfires burning across the country.

The Department of Federal Lands has not commented on Kelley's request. But a spokeswoman for the department says Secretary Bill Kolbes will consider additional funding for Deschire, Wellington, Monomi, Remmington, and Ceona.