Earlier this month, 3,400 U.S. Forest Service employees were fired. That group does not include firefighters, but many of them serve in roles that help with wildfire prevention. In addition to mass firings, the federal hiring freeze has caused delays for some seasonal wildland firefighters. We talk with environment writer and former wildland firefighter Amanda Monthei about the potential impact on Washington's wildfire season. Learn more about UW’s misinformation lecture here. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.