Sawmills near areas devastated by Hurricane Helene are working tirelessly to eliminate forest debris that could serve as fuel for wildfires. This initiative not only aims to prevent potential wildfires but also supports domestic timber production, offering a dual benefit of environmental safety and economic stimulation. The effort involves the recycling of downed trees, which are being used to create various products, thus contributing to the local economy and aiding in the recovery of the affected regions. While the process of clearing the fallen trees is time-consuming, it is essential for preventing future fires that could destroy both living and dead timber resources. The recycling of these trees is seen as a way to utilize a natural resource efficiently, as emphasized by Johnny Evans, owner of Evens Lumber Co. in Manchester, Tennessee. He mentioned that about 6% of the lumber produced at his facility comes from trees that fell during natural disasters, highlighting the importance of recycling such resources rather than letting them rot. The initiative has also garnered support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which allocated $23 million to clear dead trees from high-risk wildfire zones across the country. This effort not only aims to eliminate potential fuel for future wildfires but also supports a March executive order signed by President Trump to boost domestic timber production by 25%. The U.S. Forest Service is also streamlining the permitting and contracting process for sawmills to access the timber supply, facilitating a more efficient and effective recovery process.