Ron Wyden

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, and a group of central Oregon state lawmakers and local officials said the federal government hasn't done enough to help crews battle the record-setting wildfires this season.

"I was told this morning at the Rowe Creek Complex that they have half of what they need," Wyden said during an Aug. 10 press conference. "With all the organizational changes, what's being missed are the needs right now."

Some of these needs, the lawmakers said, include more staff, improved equipment and funding to maintain forests and reduce fuels before fire season.

Wyden said that the Trump administration's focus on proposing the U.S. Wildland Fire Service took time away from preparing for fire season. Fuel reduction efforts need to be a priority before fires begin, the lawmakers said.

While western states are usually able to share resources, staff and information, with so many fires this year there have been less opportunities to help, Wyden said.

The lawmakers asked for more funding to train professionals and more resources.

"Fires are fresh, equipment is stale," Wyden said.

Makenzie Stamets is an outdoor intern at the Statesman Journal. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X at @MakenzieStamets.