As the number and size of wildfires grows and fire seasons get longer, state and federal firefighting budgets are feeling the squeeze. From the Christian-Science Monitor:

At the federal level, the cost of fighting catastrophic fires comes out of the US Forest Service's regular operating budget. For the third year running, the agency has had to shortchange other activities to meet the cost. Congress appropriated $1.2 billion for firefighting this fiscal year, while expenses are currently projected to top $1.6 billion, according to US Forest Service officials. Some fire-policy analysts expect it to climb closer to $1.9 billion.

At the state level, the financial situation can be more acute.

"States can't print more money or go into deficit spending," says Kirk Rowdabaugh, Arizona's state forester and president of the National Association of State Foresters.

State and federal lawmakers are trying to attack the problem on several fronts. In Washington, the House recently passed a bill that would change the way the US Forest Service budgets for fires. The bill, offered up by Nick Rahall (D) of West Virginia and two cosponsors, originally drew wide support from the firefighting community. But at the last moment, a provision was struck that would have relieved the agency from having to use what the bill’s proponents say is an archaic formula for setting aside money to fight wildfires. The bill’s backers hope to get that provision reinserted.