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August 15, 2012

TO: All State Foresters

FROM: Jim Karels, Chair Forest Fire Protection Committee

RE: Personnel Availability for Fire Assignments.

As you all know we went to Preparedness Level 4 on August 7 due to the fire activity and fire

fighting resource needs in the Great Basin and other parts of the country. The potential for initial

attack and large fires is increasing in the Great Basin, California, Northern Rockies, Southern

and Northwest areas. These conditions are expected to persist and worsen throughout the rest of

the summer.

There are currently 59 large, uncontained fires burning in 10 of 11 of the geographic areas

nationally, and we are experiencing shortages of critical resources. Crew commitments are also

high, with limited availability. We are currently unable to fill many critically needed overhead

positions. We especially need middle management positions in the operations section including

division group supervisors and heavy equipment bosses.

Given this serious situation, I ask you to make every effort to make those employees with

critically needed qualifications available for national dispatch. If you have any questions on

critical needs, call Dan Smith in Boise at 208-387-5653. Thank you in advance.