Forest Service diverts money to pay for wildfires

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Aug 25, 2008 at 5:48 PM MST

Story Updated: Aug 25, 2008 at 5:48 PM MST

HELENA - The costs of fighting large fires in California and elsewhere are forcing the U.S. Forest Service to divert money set aside for roads, trails and recreational improvements.

The Forest Service is so strapped for cash to meet the demands of fighting these fires that it is taking money from fire prevention programs. The chief of the U.S. Forest Service says spending on fires could reach $1.6 billion this year, about half the agency's budget.

The agency started transferring money in the middle of August, and expects to take a total of $400 million from other areas through the rest of the year. Money will be coming from restoration projects, building maintenance, land acquisition plans, research and other areas.

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