[petey]

I find this whole story rather stupid actually. They claim the reason for the need is safety and the ability to call out commands quickly?

Ok, I'm not a firefighter and even if I was one I wouldn't be a Wildfire firefighter because of where I live. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't you think that a man in a fireman's jump suit would be hard to recognize if he's Bob or Jose'? I mean, I think it would take the big boss man longer to figure out who it is and what language to spew out than just yelling, "Hey Bob watch out". Unless they are color coating these guys how hard is it for them to determine who's english speaking and who isn't among all the smoke and excitement? I would think that's a bigger saftey issue than what they are trying to sell.

Require THEM to speak English and there isn't a problem. What a joke our country has become. It's time the people take over what the stupid Government and States have screw up. We've sent crews from each of our local fire dept's out west about every year to help out. If everyone else does the same why do we even need the cheap labor? Heck our guys are voluntary,a nd they do it for free as far as I know....what little I do that is