The Trump administration’s federal hiring freeze has prevented the onboarding of seasonal federal firefighters, leading to a potential shortage of firefighters for the upcoming fire season. While the freeze does not apply to positions related to public safety, federal firefighters are not exempt, causing hiring delays. The hiring freeze has affected agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service, impacting over 15,000 career and temporary seasonal firefighters who play a crucial role in managing fires. The freeze has caused frustration among officials involved in hiring, with concerns raised about the understaffed federal firefighting force. This issue is particularly concerning following recent devastating fires in Los Angeles County. Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed worry about the lack of hiring, stating that federal firefighters are essential for protecting public safety in California. The Forest Service, the largest federal firefighting agency, is also under a department-wide hiring freeze, further complicating the situation. Union leaders and federal employees have raised concerns about the impact of the freeze on current firefighters and probationary employees. Calls for exceptions or exemptions to the freeze have been made, as federal firefighters play a vital role in combating wildfires and protecting communities. The White House has defended the hiring freeze as necessary to vet new hires and clean house, but concerns remain about the impact on firefighting efforts and public safety.
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