Pursuit's Take
OIG audited FS’ administration of fire protection and cost share agreements to determine if fire suppression costs were equitably shared.
Along with local and State authorities, Forest Service (FS) is responsible for helping to protect forests nationwide from wildfire. Since 1991, FS’ average yearly fire suppression costs have nearly doubled from an average of about $580 million (FYs 1991 to 2000) to $1.2 billion (FYs 2001 to 2010).
OIG also found that local cooperators used indirect cost rates for firefighting activities that may have been excessive and unreasonable.
As a result, we questioned over $4.5 million in administrative costs paid to nine cooperators in California. In addition, FS overpaid $6.5 million to Colorado State University for unallowable administrative costs during a 4-year period. Although FS identified this issue and ceased future overpayments, it has not recovered the overpayments.
Media Coverage
Wild Fire Today: Report concludes that USFS should revise fire protection agreement with CAL FIRE
Read the full report