FIREFIGHTING FUNDS - Wildfires have been in the news over the past few weeks, there was the tragic fire in Gatlinburg, Tennessee where 14 people lost their lives. Recent wildfires in Texas were to blame for two deaths and other wildfires have occurred in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Red River Radio listeners should remember the wildfires that burned parts of East Texas, SW Arkansas, and Louisiana two years ago. With that in mind, recent budget cuts to Louisiana's Department of Agriculture could impact wildfire fighting resources. As it stands now, the department is short-staffed and only has fifty-three/ two-man firefighting teams to handle wildfires in the entire state. Recent outcomes from Louisiana's last Special Session have lawmakers eyeing the chance to tap into dedicated funds to reduce the state deficit and Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain has concerns.
