As the state prepares for what could be an especially active fire season ... the U.S. Forest Service -- the largest federal firefighting force -- is struggling under political pressure ... staff cuts ... and a shift AWAY from proactive fire management.  KQED science reporter Danielle Venton wrote about all of this for our site ... and she joins us.

<p>As the state prepares for what could be an especially active fire season ... the U.S. Forest Service -- the largest federal firefighting force -- is struggling under political pressure ... staff cuts ... and a shift AWAY from proactive fire management. &nbsp;KQED science reporter Danielle Venton wrote about all of this for our site ... and she joins us.</p>

KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories.

<p>KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories.</p>