[EBUCK]

Where did he say that? I want to read it!!!!

EBUCK

[dixiechick2000]

I saw it on the news last night. I'm babysitting right now, but when I get home I'll see if I can find it for you.

[dixiechick2000]

Here ya' go...

Kitzhaber Surveys Fire Damage

PAISLEY, Ore. (KPTV) -- Governor John Kitzhaber called for Congress to allocate more resources to fight against wildfires after taking a helicopter tour of fires across the state.

After surveying the damage Kitzhaber compared the importance of fighting wildfires to the fight against terrorism. "This is as much a war as the war we are fighting in Afghanistan," Kitzhaber said. Kitzhaber also called for Congress to allocate permanent appropriations for more of firefighting resources in the future.

According to U.S. Forest Service spokesman Rex Holloway, the $321 million allocated by Congress to fight wildfires nationwide for the year is already spent. The total cost of fighting wildfires this year could reach $1 billion by the time fire season ends.

Governor Kitzhaber did not blame the fires on lightening strikes, but instead pointed the finger at unhealthy forests in need of thinning. "This is a huge problem. Unless you make the forests healthy, you're going to face this risk every summer."

I can't get the link for this report, but it's on KPTV's website.