Promises To Reverse Budget Cuts To Reinstate Aerial Firefighter Funding

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger promised Monday to reverse deficit-mandated budget cuts so that the state's aerial firefighting fleet can stay in the air.

"We want the full fleet (out there)," Schwarzenegger told reporters in Sacramento. "We want to protect the people from fires." He was quoted by the Argus newspaper in Pleasanton, CA.

Under the budget currently in place, Schwarzenegger admitted he cut $7 million from the California Department of Forestry budget. If those cuts stand, at least some of the state's 23 aerial tankers would have been grounded and other firefighting resources would have been curtailed.

The actor-turned-governor said he's concerned about tanker safety, though -- especially about aging warbirds flying firefighting missions for the US Forest Service. He told reporters he's especially worried about those aircraft flying over California's many populated areas.

The Russia Option

What about Russia's offer of an Ilyushin tanker to help California out during this fire season? Governor Schwarzenegger said he's been briefed by members of Congress on the offer. Russia has offered an Il-76 to help fight forest fires in the US and some California lawmakers believe that's a good idea. Over the weekend, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) told reporters that accepting the Russian offer may be the best alternative in a fire season where aerial tanker choices are slim to say the least.

"The Russian jet has four times the capacity of the biggest US air tankers and would provide much-needed assistance to California's fire departments," he said.

There's also the Evergreen International Boeing 747 outfitted as a tanker. But certification of that aircraft has reportedly been delayed until at least June -- well into the fire season.

FMI: www.fire.ca.gov