Wyoming State Forestry addresses critical manpower shortage for wildland firefighting crews

The Joint Appropriations Committee of the New Hampshire Legislature convened on June 23, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding wildland firefighting resources in Wyoming. A significant focus of the meeting was the alarming shortage of inmate hand crews, which have been drastically reduced from three crews to just one since 2017. This decline has raised concerns about the state's ability to effectively manage wildland fire suppression.

Forrester Norris, a representative from the Wyoming State Forestry, highlighted the unsustainable workload faced by staff and the impact on their safety and work-life balance. He emphasized that wildland firefighting is a specialized profession requiring extensive training and experience, and should not be treated as a secondary duty. The committee members expressed their urgency in addressing these staffing challenges, particularly the need for more crew supervisors and the potential for increasing the number of inmate crews.

Senator Driscoll raised questions about the costs associated with restoring the inmate hand crews to their previous levels and suggested that the Department of Corrections (DOC) should be involved in discussions about staffing and resources. The committee acknowledged that the current situation is not unique to Wyoming, as similar challenges are being faced nationally.

The discussion also touched on the importance of providing adequate compensation to attract and retain qualified personnel for these critical roles. The committee members recognized that investing in fire prevention and suppression resources is essential, especially considering the high costs associated with large wildfires.

In conclusion, the committee plans to invite representatives from the DOC to future meetings to further explore solutions for enhancing the state's firefighting capabilities. The ongoing dialogue underscores the pressing need for strategic investments in personnel and resources to ensure effective wildfire management in Wyoming.