(Oct. 15) -- Federal officials are tight-lipped about a probe into the alleged hazing of rookie firefighters. And shocking allegations have been leveled at ranking members of the BLM fire-fighting staff. The BLM has confirmed that an investigation has been completed. But few details are being made public.
Eyewitness News has heard conflicting stories about just what happened to a rookie firefighter class during summer training sessions. But some of what has been alleged includes stories of humiliation, sexual fondling, even sodomy. It's unclear whether the public will ever get the full story from the BLM, but the feds are willing to say they simply won't tolerate such behavior.
Eyewitness News has filed a Freedom of Information request with the BLM to see if a copy of the report can be obtained, but it's unknown if that will happen. Eyewitness News was told these allegations involve personnel matters.
A good question is whether there are stronger indications of a rift between the BLM and the Forest Service. Officially, no one will say, but investigative reporter George Knapp of Eyewitness News heard from a few employees that there is discussion underway about separating the fire functions of the two agencies and that some bad blood has developed.
Eyewitness News emphasizes that the allegations came from independent sources and it is not known if these are the same things that are under investigation.
