Departments of Interior and Agriculture Announce Wildland Fire Service Plan to Modernize Federal Wildfire Response

The Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture announced the coordinated action to create the U.S. Wildland Fire Service to modernize wildfire management nationwide. Fire seasons are longer, fire intensity is increasing, and suppression and recovery costs are soaring. Wildfires pose risks to national security, public health, energy and water supplies. “Time and time again, we have witnessed the devastating consequences of wildfires caused by mismanagement and a lack of preparedness,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. The Department of the Interior issued Secretary’s Order 3443, which directs the establishment of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service with a plan for implementation in January 2026. The Department of Agriculture also released its own memorandum that outlines plans to modernize and strengthen America's wildfire prevention and response system. We are taking bold action to modernize wildfire response systems, streamline federal wildfire capabilities, and strengthen their effectiveness.

Source: NAFB