Watch CBS News

Udall Concerned About Resources During Wildfire Season

DENVER (CBS4)- Wildfire season in Colorado is off to an early start this year. Sen. Mark Udall is concerned the U.S. Forest Service may not have the resources it needs to keep Coloradans safe.

Last month the Lower North Fork Fire burned more than 4,000 acres, destroyed or damaged 27 homes and killed three people. Air tankers helped contain the fire.

Udall, a Democrat, has written a letter to the Forest Service stating the agency has one quarter of the air tankers it had a decade ago. He also called attention to the fact the remaining ones are aging.

"When you fight a fire it's like going to war. You need aircraft, you need soldiers, which are firefighters on the ground," said Udall.

Udall as told the Forest Service he's ready to do whatever he can to help the agency improve its fire readiness.

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com's Wildfire Resources section.

- Read recent Wildfire stories.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

- See images from the most destructive wildfire (Fourmile Fire) and largest wildfire (Hayman Fire) in Colorado history.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.