Original Post At SUUNews.com

By Dennis Busch, collective opinion of the 
University Journal Editorial Board

EDITORIAL: U.S. Forest Service procedures need review


There is little debate that the Mill Flat fire that damaged homes in the New Harmony area this weekend should have been stopped earlier.

The U.S. Forest Service, acting within its own policies, allowed the lighting-caused fire to burn for more than a month. 

We approve of the Forest Service fire policies which are aimed at preventing uncontrolled fires and the protection of nature.

However, we think the implementation of these policies and the training of the decision-making authorities should be revisited considering the safety of citizens and property. 

The Journal believes that fire containment procedure must be examined using science and reason and leave out the political squabbling that has bogged down this incident. 

We think this fire should not be opportunistically used as a talking point in a power struggle between state and federal government.

The heart of this issue is the safe coexistence of people and nature while working to protect both. 

The Editorial Board of the University Journal applauds all the agencies that worked together when this fire threatened homes and lives.

With better training and collective efforts to examine the procedure of containing wild fires, everyone will be better off.
© 2009 Dennis Busch, University Journal