Criticism Over Firefighting Response

The U.S. Forest Service is defending its response to the Cedar Fire.

The Forest Service says the response to the blaze that broke out October 25th in the Cleveland National Forest was immediate, large and very experienced.

There´s been a lot of criticism over a decision not to dispatch helicopters after the fire was first reported. The Forest Service says ten engines, two hand crews, two water tenders and two chief officers dispatched to the blaze two minutes after it was reported, but the fire was in a remote area that would have ben hard to reach even in daylight. Officials also say that water-dropping helicopters would have done little to stop the fire.