Standing up for Colorado's firefighters

Statement

Dear Fellow Coloradan,

As you read this, tens of thousands of Coloradans have been evacuated from their homes and face the sobering reality that they may not have a home after this severe wildfire season. With wildfires burning across the state, this fire season is already one of the worst on record -- threatening entire communities.

I have made it my top priority to ensure that the brave men and women fighting these fires have the tools they need to effectively protect Colorado families and their property.

As more fires spring up across the West, demands on the U.S. Forest Service's air-support resources will grow. That is why I'm proud that we were able to press Congress and the president to respond quickly and pass a bill that allows the Forest Service to quickly add seven new, next-generations air tankers to its fleet.

Air support is a key tool firefighters use to battle the most destructive and remote wildfires. I am actively working with the Forest Service, the military and others to make sure that firefighters continue to have access to the resources they need to do their jobs.

Even as we work to battle the wildfires now burning across the state, we must institute proactive measures to mitigate the risk of future wildfires. The bark beetle epidemic has killed more than 41.7 million acres in Western forests. These beetle-killed trees are not just an eyesore -- they can be highly dangerous fuel for wildfires.

Last week, I successfully fought to include a bipartisan amendment to the 2012 Farm Bill that doubles the annual funding authorization for bark beetle-mitigation efforts over the next five years -- reducing hazardous trees and speeding the restoration of our forests.

We undoubtedly are in for a rough summer, but I am inspired by the tireless work of firefighters -- whose efforts are nothing short of heroic -- and Coloradans who are opening their homes and checkbooks to help families that have been displaced.

I'm proud to see communities across our state rallying to support one another. I am confident that Colorado's tough spirit will see us through these challenging times. Working together, we will weather this storm. Please know that I am working for each and every one of you, and am fully committed to supporting those in need every way I can until our state and economy are at full strength.

Stay safe,

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