Freshman Montana Senator Tim Sheehy has announced his intention to push for national legislation on wildfires during an upcoming Senate GOP meeting with President-elect Donald Trump. Sheehy emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, stating that it is a matter of concern for the entire country. He believes that tackling wildfires is a bipartisan issue that could yield quick results.
Sheehy, who has a background in aerial firefighting, highlighted the lack of proper coordination among local, state, and federal entities in combating wildfires in the western United States. He attributed the challenges to a flawed federal coordination system that hampers timely responses to fire incidents.
One of the key proposals put forth by Sheehy is a bill that would mandate resources to be deployed within 30 minutes of a fire outbreak. He stressed the importance of reducing bureaucratic hurdles that often delay the mobilization of firefighting resources, noting that such delays can have detrimental effects on firefighting efforts.
In addition to advocating for rapid response times, Sheehy underscored the need for adequate compensation and benefits for firefighters, as well as ensuring the availability of aircraft for firefighting operations across the country.
Sheehy's call for action comes amidst ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County, including the destructive Palisades Fire that has already destroyed over 1,000 structures. The severity of the situation underscores the pressing need for comprehensive measures to address wildfires and enhance firefighting capabilities nationwide.
