Sequester not yet affecting govt fire response  Obama
administration officials say the automatic budget cuts called
"sequestration" have not yet affected the government's ability
to fight wildfires.  The Agriculture Department's Jim Hubbard
and the Interior Department's James Douglas told a House
subcommittee Thursday that the cuts reduced the seasonal
workforce and administrative expenses like travel and supplies.
But they warn that sequestration could jeopardize prevention
efforts and preparedness in the future.  Their comments come as
the cuts take fuller effect on federal government agencies, and
just 11 days after 19 firefighters died in Arizona while trying
to protect the town of Yarnell.  Douglas also warns that other
reductions will mean that fewer dispatchers can be trained to
fight fires.