Brian Collins, Executive Director of Earth Fire Alliance discusses the future of wildfire detection and monitoring
From bandannas to N95s: It’s finally time for wildfire fighters to mask up
U.S. Forest Service has ended its prohibition on masks for Wildfire Fighters and will now provide N95 respirators during major incidents across the United States.
Twenty-four years later: 9/11’s legacy in building protection and emergency response
IFSJ explores how 9/11 reshaped US building codes, communication systems, firefighting tactics and wider safety practices
Tailored illumination: How Streamlight equips crews for extreme conditions
Donato Sasso, Director of International Business Development at Streamlight talks equipping fire and emergency crews with the right lighting tools for the job
How San Diego County is coating its roads with PHOS-CHEK to prevent wildfires
County applies PHOS-CHEK to high-risk corridors
Perimeter Solutions has reported that San Diego County will apply PHOS-CHEK long-term fire retardant to high fire-risk roadways as part of its wildfire prevention strategy.
The company said the County maintains nearly 2,000 miles of roadway, with more than 200 miles designated as high fire-risk, including the Wildcat Canyon corridor.
According to Perimeter Solutions, Wildcat Canyon carries heavy traffic daily, and the steep terrain increases the likelihood of overheating vehicles creating sparks that could start wildfires.
The County explained that the area has historically experienced wildfire activity and also functions as an evacuation route for eastern parts of San Diego County.
County Fire will apply PHOS-CHEK throughout the fire season, including in underserved and vulnerable communities.
Technology and application process
Perimeter Solutions stated that the ground-based PHOS-CHEK uses the same technology as the aerial retardant applied by CAL FIRE aircraft.
It said the ground formulation is uncoloured and designed for application on flammable vegetation and cellulosic materials early in the fire season.
The organisation reported that the treatment provides ongoing protection until heavy rainfall occurs.
It explained that the retardant creates a barrier that slows or prevents ignition when sparks or heat come into contact with dry vegetation.
The company added that this approach gives firefighters more time to contain and extinguish fires.
County leadership perspective
San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson said: “My constituents have consistently said that fire safety and prevention is a top priority.
“This innovative and proactive approach we have taken helps keep everyone in our county safer.”
Perimeter Solutions comments
Perimeter Solutions Chief Operating Officer Shannon Horn said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with the County of San Diego in their efforts to protect lives and property from wildfires.
“Their proactive strategy serves as a model for other communities facing similar wildfire risks.
“By leveraging advanced fire retardant technologies like PHOS-CHEK, San Diego County is leading the way in wildfire prevention and demonstrating a commitment to the safety and well-being of its residents.”
Funding support through federal programme
Perimeter Solutions explained that the County’s wildfire mitigation measures are partly funded through the Community Wildfire Defense Grant programme.
It stated that the programme was established through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides $1 billion over five years to support high-risk areas.
The company noted that the grant is available to local and tribal leaders working to lower wildfire risks.
It added that communities are encouraged to apply and integrate PHOS-CHEK into their fire prevention strategies.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The use of PHOS-CHEK in San Diego County highlights how long-term retardants are being integrated into ground-based wildfire mitigation.
Professionals can observe how application strategies are shifting from aerial-only use to preventative ground treatments in high-risk areas.
The County’s work shows how local governments are combining federal funding with private-sector partnerships to expand mitigation capacity.
These developments provide an example for fire services, emergency planners, and safety authorities in areas facing similar wildfire conditions.
San Diego County applies PHOS-CHEK to wildfire-prone roads: Summary
San Diego County is applying PHOS-CHEK to high fire-risk roads.
Perimeter Solutions reported that the County maintains nearly 2,000 miles of roads.
More than 200 miles are designated as high fire-risk.
Wildcat Canyon is among the areas treated with retardant.
County Fire will use PHOS-CHEK throughout the season.
The retardant is applied to vegetation and combustible material.
It remains effective until a heavy rain event.
PHOS-CHEK is also used by CAL FIRE aircraft during wildfires.
Supervisor Joel Anderson said fire prevention is a community priority.
Perimeter Solutions COO Shannon Horn said the partnership is a model for other regions.
The Community Wildfire Defense Grant partly funds the project.
The grant is supported through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The programme provides $1 billion over five years.
Tribal and community leaders can apply for funding.
Applicants are encouraged to integrate PHOS-CHEK into mitigation plans.
Pye-Barker acquires Southeastern System Services and Fire-X to expand US fire safety services
Pye-Barker acquires Southeastern System Services in Southeast United States
Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has announced the acquisition of Georgia-based Southeastern System Services, according to the company.
Pye-Barker said the addition expands its fire protection services and customer support across the Southeast United States.
The company stated that Southeastern System Services operates in Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.
According to Pye-Barker, the business provides fire retardants, alarms and suppression systems, including water mist, high-expansion foam, dry chemical and carbon dioxide systems.
It added that the company also offers clean agent suppression systems designed to avoid environmental harm.
Pye-Barker said Southeastern System Services installs, repairs and maintains security and surveillance systems with access control, intrusion detection, remote video transmission and CCTV.
Darin Neslein, owner of Southeastern System Services, said: “I’m confident that joining Pye-Barker is the right strategic step for our family-run company.
“My parents built this business from the ground up.
“We’re grateful to be aligned with Pye-Barker for our continued growth, all while maintaining the family feel that is so crucial to who we are.”
Pye-Barker CEO Bart Proctor said: “Southeastern System Services is, at its core, a family business.
“I knew from our very first conversation that we were aligned in our values and that they would be a perfect fit to join our close-knit organisation.
“Not only that, but they bring immeasurable knowledge and expertise to the table, solidifying Pye-Barker’s fire safety presence in the Southeast.”
Pye-Barker confirmed that Southeastern System Services’ technicians will continue to work in the Southeast alongside existing Pye-Barker teams.
The company stated that Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP acted as its representative in the transaction.
Pye-Barker acquires Fire-X and Fire Protection Products in Maryland
Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has also announced the acquisition of Fire-X Sales and Service Corp. and its sister company Fire Protection Products, according to the company.
It said the Maryland-based firms expand its ability to provide fire code compliance services in the state and surrounding areas.
Pye-Barker stated that Fire-X and Fire Protection Products have operated since 1987 in Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and other locations.
According to the company, the two businesses design, install, test and service vehicle fire suppression systems for equipment such as dozers, loaders, trucks, cranes and locomotives.
It added that they also provide restaurant and kitchen fire suppression, special hazards systems, extinguisher service, and emergency lighting, signs and safety equipment.
The company said the two businesses create fire suppression systems for data centres, clean rooms and telecommunications centres.
Carroll Wollard, president of Fire-X and Fire Protection Products, said: “Joining the Pye-Barker team is an incredible opportunity to strengthen our community impact.
“Pye-Barker’s commitment to safety, compliance and customer satisfaction aligns with our values, and I’m beyond grateful we were able to find such a great cultural fit.”
Pye-Barker CEO Bart Proctor said: “We hope to provide full fire code compliance in every state across the nation, and this acquisition marks another step towards that goal.
“Fire-X and FPP have provided top-quality fire protection across the mid-Atlantic and will play a critical role in strengthening Pye-Barker’s integrated life safety efforts in the region.”
Pye-Barker confirmed that Fire-X and Fire Protection Products’ technicians will continue serving customers in Maryland and neighbouring states.
The company said Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP also represented it in this transaction.
Expansion strategy in United States fire safety sector
Pye-Barker described both acquisitions as part of its ongoing strategy to expand its fire protection, life safety and security services network across the United States.
The company said it now operates in multiple regions including the Southeast and mid-Atlantic, building on its goal of offering full fire code compliance nationwide.
According to Pye-Barker, acquiring established regional firms allows it to combine national resources with local expertise.
It added that this approach helps maintain service continuity for existing customers while broadening technical capabilities.
The company stated that retaining local teams ensures knowledge transfer and supports regional relationships.
Focus on specialist fire suppression systems
Pye-Barker said the acquisitions add specialist fire suppression capabilities to its service portfolio.
The company stated that Southeastern System Services contributes experience in water mist, high-expansion foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide and clean agent suppression.
It added that Fire-X and Fire Protection Products strengthen expertise in vehicle fire suppression for heavy equipment and mining operations.
According to Pye-Barker, the combined resources will also enhance its support for environments requiring tailored solutions such as data centres, clean rooms and commercial kitchens.
The company said these capabilities align with its broader aim to provide integrated protection across diverse risk categories.
Continued operations under existing teams
Pye-Barker confirmed that all three acquired companies will retain their existing technical teams.
The company stated that this ensures minimal disruption for customers during the integration process.
It added that these teams will continue to operate from current service areas, supported by Pye-Barker’s national infrastructure.
According to the company, maintaining these local operations preserves service quality and supports long-term customer relationships.
Pye-Barker acquires Southeastern System Services and Fire-X to expand US fire safety services: Summary
Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired Georgia-based Southeastern System Services.
The company said this acquisition expands its fire protection services across the Southeast United States.
Southeastern System Services operates in Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.
Pye-Barker stated that the business provides fire retardants, alarms and suppression systems including water mist, high-expansion foam, dry chemical and carbon dioxide systems.
It added that the company also offers clean agent suppression systems, security and surveillance installations, and maintenance services.
Pye-Barker has also acquired Maryland-based Fire-X Sales and Service Corp. and its sister company Fire Protection Products.
The company said these firms provide fire code compliance services in Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Pye-Barker stated that Fire-X and Fire Protection Products specialise in vehicle fire suppression, restaurant and kitchen suppression, special hazards systems and extinguisher services.
It added that they also create fire suppression systems for data centres, clean rooms and telecommunications centres.
Pye-Barker confirmed that existing teams from all three acquired companies will continue operations under their current structures.
SFPE Foundation updates handbook to support fire services addressing WUI fire risks
New handbook to support WUI fire risk assessment
The SFPE Educational & Scientific Foundation (SFPE Foundation) has announced the upcoming release of the second edition of its Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Virtual Handbook for Fire Risk Assessment & Mitigation.
According to the SFPE Foundation, the handbook will be available online and for download from 19 August 2025.
The second edition has been produced with funding from a 2022 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency Fire Prevention & Safety Grant.
The organisation said the handbook expands on the original 2023 edition with new content covering parcel-level and community-level mitigation.
It explained that the new version includes assessment tools, educational flyers, four instructional videos and a basic risk checklist.
The SFPE Foundation stated that the handbook is not intended to replace existing programmes, but can be used as a supplementary training and mitigation tool by any department.
Assistant Fire Chief Brad Cronin, Chair of the SFPE Fire Service Subcommittee, said: “With more and more areas becoming prone to wildfires, having the WUI Virtual Handbook available free to the fire service is an invaluable resource in addressing this hazard.
“This versatile reference can be used by departments that have no experience with WUI risk assessments to quickly evaluate areas of their jurisdiction or by those departments that are well-versed in the topic to dial in their methods.”
Handbook designed for use across all fire department experience levels
The SFPE Foundation stated that the handbook was developed to support both experienced and less experienced departments.
It said the resource can be used to support property inspection training, structure-specific fire risk assessments, homeowner education and stakeholder engagement.
The Foundation added that it may be particularly useful in jurisdictions with limited WUI experience or where fire risks are emerging.
Dr Hubert Biteau, Senior Technical Advisor at Code Red Consultants, said: “It is important to promote the 2nd Edition of the SFPE WUI Handbook for Fire Risk Assessment & Mitigation to fire services located in the WUI and with little to no WUI expertise.
“It is equally important to identify WUI locations where wildland fires are not currently a threat but may become a challenge in the near future to proactively educate communities on the identification of the foreseen hazards, adequate prevention and mitigation.”
New training pilots to test advanced WUI modules
The SFPE Foundation also announced a pilot training programme for advanced WUI fire engineering.
According to the Foundation, the training is supported by a 2023 FEMA Fire Prevention & Safety Grant and will be delivered through in-person and virtual sessions over the next nine months.
It stated that the pilot modules will cover WUI fire dynamics, fire modelling, and human behaviour in wildland-urban fires.
Two virtual pilot courses will take place in September 2025 and early 2026, and a pre-conference feedback session will be held at the SFPE Annual Conference on 21 October in Vancouver, Canada.
The Foundation said registration details for training participation will be provided during a free webinar scheduled for 19 August.
White paper highlights global collaboration and engineering approaches
In July 2025, the SFPE Foundation published a white paper titled The Contributions of Fire Engineering in Addressing the Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Problem.
The Foundation said the paper was authored by Dr Pascale Vacca and based on findings from the WUI Working Group and the 2023 Virtual WUI Summit.
According to the Foundation, the paper presents an overview of knowledge gaps, fire engineering challenges and proposed solutions related to WUI fire risk.
It stated that the paper highlights the contribution of international volunteers and is available at https://doi.org/10.64167/x5h6-75nw.
The Foundation said this forms part of its strategy to build a body of open-access WUI research.
Online WUI library launched to share global research
The SFPE Foundation has also launched a new online WUI research library.
It said the resource brings together articles, research projects and tools that focus on the role of fire engineering in addressing WUI fire risk.
The Foundation explained that the library includes outputs from its Grand Challenges Initiative and Student Research Grants, as well as other publicly available resources.
Lisa VanBuskirk, WUI Programme Manager, is coordinating submissions of new open-access content.
Dr Leslie Marshall, Director of the SFPE Foundation, said: “Over the last few years, the SFPE Foundation has greatly expanded our efforts to bring fire engineering expertise and resources to addressing the growing wildland-urban interface fire problem, both in the United States and around the world.
“With the announcement of the Second Edition of the WUI Virtual Handbook, our efforts to develop advanced WUI training modules for the U.S. Fire Service, the publication of a white paper on WUI Fire Engineering, and our efforts to promote and publicize a growing body of global WUI research and resources through our new online library, we hope to demonstrate that fire engineers have a unique and important role to play in this ecosystem, and that we are committed to working alongside our partners – like the U.S. Fire Service, among others – to develop tools, education, research, and resources that fill critical knowledge gaps.”
Updated WUI handbook and training launched in United States: Summary
The SFPE Foundation has announced the release of the second edition of its WUI Virtual Handbook for Fire Risk Assessment & Mitigation.
The handbook will be available for free download on 19 August 2025.
It includes new content for both parcel-level and community-level mitigation.
The resource was funded by a 2022 FEMA Fire Prevention & Safety Grant.
Four videos, flyers and a risk checklist are included in the updated edition.
The Foundation said it is designed for use by fire departments with varied levels of WUI experience.
It stated the handbook does not replace existing tools but serves as a flexible companion resource.
A free webinar on 19 August will provide further guidance on how to use the handbook.
The SFPE Foundation is also piloting advanced training modules covering WUI fire dynamics and human behaviour.
These pilots will run over the next nine months, with initial sessions in late 2025.
A white paper on fire engineering and WUI fires has also been published.
An online library of WUI research has been launched by the Foundation.
This collection includes open-access material from funded and independent studies.
Federal fire fighters bill proposes work-hour cap and pension reform
Senators introduce bipartisan bill to support U.S. federal fire fighters
Senators Ruben Gallego and Bernie Moreno have introduced a bipartisan bill to cap weekly work hours for federal fire fighters and address longstanding issues with pension calculations.
According to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the legislation – titled the Federal Fire Fighters Families First Act – limits pre-scheduled work hours to 60 per week and changes how overtime is included in pension formulas.
The IAFF stated that federal fire fighters currently work 72 hours per week, with shift structures that limit rest and recovery between deployments.
The trade union said this has created long-term health, safety, and family wellbeing concerns for fire fighters across military bases, research sites, and other federal locations.
The proposed bill, introduced on 25 July 2025, complements a previously submitted House version, H.R. 759, sponsored by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and the late Gerry Connolly.
IAFF says excessive schedules are damaging fire fighters’ health
The IAFF has said that the current work schedules of federal fire fighters are putting their physical and mental health at risk.
General President Edward Kelly said: “Federal fire fighters are being pushed to the brink as they work gruelling schedules that jeopardise their health, safety, and well-being.
“That’s why the IAFF proudly supports the Federal Fire Fighters Families First Act – it caps excessive workweeks, fixes broken retirement rules, and honours the hours our members serve.”
He added: “Not only is this schedule physically demanding, but it also has a mental impact, as these fire fighters are forced to spend so much time away from their families.
“I want to thank Senators Gallego and Moreno for supporting these brave men and women – and their families.
“It’s time for U.S. government to recognise the sacrifices these fire fighters are making every day to protect our federal facilities.
“I urge Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation as quickly as possible.”
Weekly hour cap set at 60 under proposed legislation
The bill would limit pre-scheduled hours for federal fire fighters to 60 per week.
According to the IAFF, current schedules often require personnel to leave or return to work every 24 hours, with little opportunity for recovery.
Senator Ruben Gallego said: “Federal fire fighters protect our communities from wildfires and keep our veterans and service members safe.
“But right now, these brave men and women are forced to work gruelling hours at pay rates far below what other fire fighters make.”
He continued: “It’s unacceptable, and I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to fix it.”
The IAFF explained that the new cap is intended to better align federal schedules with those of non-federal fire departments.
Pension calculations revised under the new bill
The proposed bill also addresses what the IAFF called “unjust penalties” in federal fire fighter pensions.
Currently, 26 percent of pre-scheduled overtime is excluded from retirement benefit calculations.
The IAFF stated that this exclusion reduces long-term earnings and adds to issues of burnout and attrition in federal fire services.
The organisation said the bill will ensure all pre-scheduled hours are included in pension formulae.
Senator Bernie Moreno said: “America’s fire fighters put their lives on the line every day to protect and save communities across the country.”
He added: “This legislation makes sure they and their families are fairly compensated for the incredible work they do and sacrifices they make.”
Companion bill already introduced in the U.S. House
The Senate bill serves as a companion to H.R. 759, introduced in January 2025 in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The earlier bill was brought forward by Representative Brian Fitzpatrick and Representative Gerry Connolly, who passed away earlier this year.
According to the IAFF, both versions aim to establish the same protections and benefits for federal fire fighters.
The association added that alignment between the House and Senate bills is intended to streamline the legislative process and build bipartisan support.
Federal fire fighters bill proposes work-hour cap and pension reform: Summary
Senators Gallego and Moreno introduced a bipartisan bill for federal fire fighters on 25 July 2025.
The bill is titled the Federal Fire Fighters Families First Act.
It proposes a cap of 60 hours per week for federal fire fighter schedules.
The International Association of Fire Fighters said current schedules average 72 hours per week.
The IAFF said these schedules negatively affect fire fighters’ health and wellbeing.
The bill would also change pension calculations for federal fire fighters.
It includes pre-scheduled overtime hours in retirement benefit formulas.
Currently, 26 percent of these hours are excluded from calculations, the IAFF said.
The new bill is the Senate version of House Resolution 759.
House Resolution 759 was introduced in January 2025.
It was sponsored by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Gerry Connolly.
The IAFF has publicly endorsed both versions of the legislation.
The organisation has urged Congress to pass the bill.
The countdown is on – is your RMS system ready for NERIS?
US fire departments invited to NERIS webinar on onboarding and future planning
The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) has announced a new webinar focused on the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) rollout across the United States.
NERIS confirmed that the online event will take place on Tuesday, 29 July 2025 from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. ET.
The webinar will be hosted by FSRI in collaboration with the United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T).
According to NERIS, the webinar will provide practical guidance for departments preparing to transition from NFIRS to the NERIS system by the 2026 deadline.
Chief Tom Jenkins will present updates on how NERIS is already being used in the field and answer questions on adoption and system use.
Transition from NFIRS to NERIS scheduled for end of 2026
NERIS stated that the cloud-based platform is replacing the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).
The team explained that onboarding is being expanded across the United States in phases based on FEMA regions.
According to NERIS, regions currently undergoing onboarding include Regions 6 and 7, with Region 10 starting in August and the remaining regions scheduled through to December.
The platform was developed in partnership with USFA and DHS S&T and tested in 2024 with over 60 early adopter agencies.
NERIS said the system is designed to support fire departments by improving data reporting, enabling analytics, and informing operational planning.
Fire departments encouraged to prepare early for transition
NERIS advised departments to determine their reporting method and speak to their software vendors regarding integration.
Most departments use CAD or RMS software for incident operations.
NERIS stated that integration partners and compatibility testing information are available online at neris.fsri.org.
The agency added that the “NERIS v1 Compatibility Badge” identifies systems that have passed API testing, though it is not an endorsement.
Departments were urged to begin testing and coordination ahead of time to avoid delays in 2026.
Reporting functionality follows onboarding and requires confirmation
NERIS explained that onboarding involves setting up department accounts, assigning admin roles, and verifying system setup.
The process also includes updating station information, CAD unit details, and identifying relationships with mutual aid and other partners.
NERIS said that onboarding does not enable incident reporting by default.
Departments must request incident data reporting to be activated through NERIS coordination.
Once activated, incident data can be submitted on each department’s timeline in line with state-specific rules.
Webinar aimed at frontline personnel and decision makers
According to FSRI, the webinar is open to a range of fire service personnel.
Suggested participants include firefighters, line officers, department leadership, trainers, and representatives of state and national fire service bodies.
NERIS said the session will cover milestone planning, available onboarding resources, and an open Q&A session.
FSRI confirmed that registration is open until Monday, 28 July 2025.
The session is free and will be hosted via the FSRI platform.
NERIS outlines 2025 onboarding, reporting and NFIRS transition in upcoming webinar: Summary
The FSRI will host a NERIS webinar on Tuesday, 29 July 2025.
The webinar will provide onboarding updates, guidance, and a Q&A session.
NERIS is replacing NFIRS by the end of 2026.
The platform was developed with USFA and DHS S&T.
The system was tested in 2024 with more than 60 departments.
Rollout is being conducted by FEMA region across 2025.
Region 10 is set to begin onboarding in August.
Departments must confirm vendor compatibility before using the system.
NERIS reporting is separate from onboarding and requires activation.
The webinar is aimed at fire personnel and state and national fire organisations.
Registration closes Monday, 28 July 2025.
The full rollout is expected to reach all departments by December 2025.
Is America’s wildfire force running on empty? Forest Service under fire from within
Firefighters report understaffing as wildfires escalate in the U.S.
More than a dozen current and former employees of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) told Reuters the agency is facing persistent staffing shortages, even as the number of wildfires across the United States reaches its highest point in a decade.
According to Reuters, over 5,000 USFS staff have left their posts in the last five months, creating gaps in fire teams and support operations.
The agency has denied the allegations, stating that its current resources are adequate for the 2025 fire season.
Isabella Isaksen, public affairs officer for USFS operations in central Oregon, said the agency is confident in its fire readiness and explained that food delays reported during the Alder Springs Fire were due to issues with a new caterer.
Reuters reported that firefighters in Oregon and New Mexico have described being pulled from fire lines to carry out administrative tasks, citing a lack of available support staff.
Former staff blame buyouts and workforce cuts
Reuters reported that many of the staffing issues trace back to buyouts that occurred during the Trump administration.
Although the administration had pledged not to eliminate firefighting jobs, early retirements and reassignments reportedly affected thousands of support personnel who would normally assist during fire season.
A crew leader from the Alder Springs Fire in Oregon, who requested anonymity, told Reuters her team lacked food and essential equipment after support staff took part in two separate buyout programmes.
USFS Chief Tom Schultz issued internal guidance urging managers to activate “red-carded” personnel for the 2025 fire season.
These individuals are certified to assist with fire response but were among the many who left under the buyout schemes.
Schultz stated during a Senate hearing that he is attempting to rehire approximately 1,400 of these qualified staff on a temporary basis.
USDA and Forest Service defend staffing approach
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told Western state governors in June that the agency aimed to hire 11,300 wildland firefighters by mid-July.
Reuters reported that as of 29 June, the Forest Service had hired 11,236 firefighters, reaching 99% of its target.
A USDA spokesperson said: “Any suggestion that firefighting responsibilities are being delayed or deprioritized is simply incorrect. This is not a secondary mission – it is the core of our public safety work, and every decision reflects that urgency.”
Steve Ellis, chair of the National Association of Forest Service Retirees, told Reuters he had not found any evidence of support problems during recent checks with fire staff in Oregon.
Isaksen also said supplies such as chainsaw fuel and medical kits were available at the Alder Springs Fire, despite claims to the contrary.
Ongoing strain on fire crews and support workers
Some firefighters and managers said they are still feeling the impact of the staffing shortfall.
Riva Duncan, a retired USFS fire chief now serving in New Mexico, said firefighters are being assigned to cover support tasks at ranger stations and campsites.
Duncan told Reuters: “They’re answering phones at the front desk, or cleaning toilets at campgrounds or mowing the lawn at administrative sites.”
A fire chief in the Pacific Northwest, who remained anonymous, said support staff had been directed to prioritise timber sales and energy production targets before helping fire crews.
He told Reuters: “They can claim we get all the support we need, but in reality, it isn’t even close.”
Reuters also reported that many of the former staff who usually joined fire operations during summer have not been replaced, creating further challenges during the active fire season.
Political response and criticism of Trump-era policy
New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich has blamed former President Donald Trump for gutting the Forest Service’s capacity to respond to wildfires.
In a statement to Reuters, Heinrich said: “Wildfire season is well underway, and thanks to DOGE and Donald Trump, the U.S. Forest Service is being gutted, leaving communities ill equipped to fight deadly wildfires.”
Reuters reported that approximately 3,400 probationary USFS staff were let go during the Trump administration, including many red-carded support workers.
The National Interagency Fire Center has predicted that fire conditions will be worse than average across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the northern Rockies in 2025.
According to federal data cited by Reuters, nearly 41,000 wildfires have been recorded so far this year, the highest number since at least 2015.
U.S. firefighters report staff shortages as wildfire numbers rise in 2025: Summary
More than 5,000 U.S. Forest Service employees have left their posts in the past five months.
Reuters reported that firefighters in Oregon and New Mexico are covering administrative duties due to staff gaps.
A crew leader in Oregon said her team experienced food and supply shortages during a 3,400-acre fire.
USFS public affairs officer Isabella Isaksen said supplies were available and food delays were due to a new catering provider.
USFS Chief Tom Schultz is trying to rehire 1,400 previously qualified staff who left under voluntary buyouts.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the agency had hired 99% of its target firefighter workforce by late June.
A USDA spokesperson said firefighting remains the agency’s core public safety mission.
Senator Martin Heinrich criticised former President Trump for the Forest Service’s workforce reductions.
Support staff reductions have impacted fire preparedness during a high-activity fire year.
The National Interagency Fire Center forecasts above-average wildfire risk in several western states.