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Bennet Pushes FEMA For Details On Wildfire Mitigation

DENVER (AP) - Two senators are pushing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to detail its efforts to mitigate wildfires.

Colorado Democrat Sen. Michael Bennet and Idaho Republican Sen. Mike Crapo also want FEMA to identify funding obstacles for current mitigation programs.

The senators said Monday they have added a measure in the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill to do just that.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and western lawmakers have talked about the need for consistent funding to mitigate wildfire risks.

Last week the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of the Interior announced a partnership aimed at better leveraging federal, state and local resources to thin and restore forests around reservoirs and dams. The Western Watershed Enhancement Partnership aims to reduce the risk of wildfires that could harm water supplies.

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com's Wildfire Resources section.

- Read recent Wildfire stories.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

- See images from the most destructive wildfires (Black Forest, Waldo Canyon, High Park and Fourmile) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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