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Trump moves to merge wildland firefighting into single force, despite ex-officials warning of chaos

On Thursday, President Donald Trump directed federal agencies to merge their wildland firefighting efforts into a single program within the Interior Department, initiating a 90-day timeline to complete the process.
This order is based on legislation proposed by Senator Tim Sheehy to establish a Federal Wildland Fire Service by transferring a large number of employees currently working within the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service.
The consolidation seeks to unify wildfire response operations currently managed by multiple agencies and two Cabinet departments, while placing greater responsibility on state and local governments during an intense fire season.
Critics including former Forest Service chiefs warn the plan is a costly mistake that risks disruptions and could increase large fires, while proponents cite a need to fight fires "more quickly and aggressively."
Officials have not disclosed the cost or savings of the reorganization, and the new wildfire agency rollout is not expected until 2026, indicating ongoing debate and challenges.

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Montana Standard

+8 Reposted by 8 other sources

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Trump orders creation of new federal wildfire agency

With fire season already underway in many western states, President Donald Trump on Thursday directed federal agencies to begin combining their wildland firefighting staff into a new, unified wildfire force.

23 days ago

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Spectrum Local News

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Trump moves to merge wildland firefighting into single force

The order aims to centralize firefighting efforts now split among five agencies and two Cabinet departments.

23 days ago·United States

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Penn Live

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Trump moves to merge wildland firefighting despite ex-officials warning of chaos

The move is meant to centralize duties now split among five agencies and two Cabinet departments. Officials have not disclosed how much the change could cost.

24 days ago·Harrisburg, United States

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