The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will reinstate thousands of workers laid off in February starting this Wednesday.

remains a top priority for the USDA and the Forest Service,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “Our wildland firefighter and other public safety positions are of the utmost priority.” ...

According to the USDA, over 1,000 Forest Service firefighter positions were approved last week, with more under review. The layoffs come amid a freeze in Forest Service hiring. Prior to the ...