Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden warns of catastrophic wildfire season due to funding cuts and low snowpack

WASHINGTON D.C. (KTVZ) Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden criticized President Donald Trump this morning on the Senate floor, citing a lack of preparedness for the upcoming wildfire season.

Wyden warned that federal funding cuts to the Forest Service and other firefighting agencies, combined with historic low snowpack, could lead to a catastrophic wildfire season in the Western United States.

Sen. Wyden stated that ongoing drought and near-record low snowpack, coupled with federal uncertainty, create a dangerous situation for communities.

He expressed concern that federal funding cuts mean the Forest Service and other firefighting agencies will be less prepared when needed.

Sen. Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, addressed the Senate to highlight the severe risk facing Western states.

Wyden stated, "The president and I come to the floor today to sound the alarm on a crisis that a freight train speeding toward the Western United States in the form of what could be one of the worst wildfire seasons in modern history. Snowpack is at historic lows at home. Some parts of the state have less than 10% of their normal snowpack. Simply put, there is no water. And come summertime, Ore. is going to be like a tinderbox waiting to go up in flames. Trump has set Western states up for failure this fire season and I very, very much fear the outcome in the West will be catastrophic."

Wyden also criticized President Trump's immigration policy, arguing that arresting immigrants from the front lines of fires does not protect the country. He contended that such actions put communities more at risk.