WASHINGTON, DC Idaho Senator Larry Craig, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Forests and Public Land Management of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, expressed his concern with the lack of fire preparedness for this year's fire season at a hearing today of the Subcommittee.

"I am committed to working with the Administration on its plan to manage the impact of these terrible fires which ravaged much of the West," Craig said. "I do, though, have serious concerns that there was an unnerving lack of preparedness for this fire season on the part of this Administration."

Craig questioned Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck, Undersecretary of Agriculture Jim Lyons, and Bureau of Land Management Director, Tom Fry, on national news stories related to fire preparedness that have run over the last five weeks. Craig cited internal agency memoranda that demonstrated a lack of preparedness and irresponsible actions. For instance, fire budgets were cut by the Administration with the money being funneled into President Clinton's Land Legacy Initiative.

"It is very disconcerting that in a year we all knew the land was highly susceptible to a severe fire season, that fire preparedness budgets were cut to fund the Administration's political priorities," Craig said. "Your response to this information suggests you allowed yourselves to get into this situation," Craig told the panel.

Craig made it clear that he supports much of the Administration's fire plan and is willing to work with them, but warned that their credibility is on the line.

"Earlier this week you all were using the line that roadless and wilderness areas did not burn as many acres as has been reported," Craig said. "Today you tell me that large acreage did burn because you did not prioritize the suppression of fires in these areas. It is my sincere hope that you are not manipulating data to help support the politics of the President's roadless plan."

The Subcommittee will be holding two additional hearings on the 2000 fire season this month. The first will be held on September 22 in Billings, MT. The second will be September 23 in Salmon, ID.