increase fire prevention funding for federal and state wildlands.

Almost 10 million acres burned last year, the recent tragic loss of one-third of Prescott's fire department in the Yarnell Hill fire and over 500 homes lost near Colorado Springs are stark reminders of the false economies of decreased funding for wildfire prevention. While the loss of life is incalculable, it costs far more to fight a wildfire than it does to prevent one. The high cost of fighting fires means less money for prevention, creating a vicious circle that is rapidly increasing risk. Yet the proposed budget slashes prevention funding by > 30%. We ask President Obama to ensure that sufficient funding, leadership, and coordination is invested in mitigating the danger of future large wildfires that is putting our lives, property, and natural landscape at risk of incineration.