TracPlus examines human factors in wildland firefighting AI use

Wildland firefighting AI accountability

TracPlus has published a new white paper examining how aerial agencies can manage the adoption of artificial intelligence with transparency and accountability.

The document, titled AI Makes the Call. Who Answers for It?, provides an industry-informed perspective on the increasing role of automated systems in fire operations.

TracPlus is an operational data infrastructure provider that monitors more than 2,500 wildfire suppression aircraft across 44 countries.

The paper identifies that AI systems are already influencing how decisions are made while governance structures are still in a state of evolution.

National agencies including CAL FIRE, New Zealand’s Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) and Australia’s national aerial firefighting program use the platform as their system of record.

The infrastructure holds more than a billion flight records and collects approximately one million new operational data points every day.

Operational data and human judgment

The white paper highlights how AI systems can change how human judgment is applied during wildland firefighting operations.

Research indicates that the reliability of these tools depends on the quality and visibility of the underlying data.

Todd O’Hara, Chief Commercial Officer at TracPlus, said: “AI is becoming part of the operational toolkit, and that’s a positive development.

“The opportunity for agencies is to introduce it in a way that preserves visibility into what’s happening, why recommendations are being made, and how those decisions play out over time.”

The proposed approach involves running AI recommendations alongside human decisions and maintaining an independent operational record.

Agencies can use this data to establish a baseline and evaluate the performance of new technologies over time.

BIOEX launches fluorine-free wildland firefighting foam range

BIOEX presents two wildland foam concentrates

BIOEX has presented its wildland firefighting range, made up of ECOPOL F and BIOFOR, with both concentrates described as 100% fluorine-free and fully biodegradable for forest fire operations.

The French manufacturer BIOEX outlined the range as suitable for wildland firefighting across different terrains, seasons and delivery platforms.

ECOPOL F and BIOFOR are free of PFAs and are described as non-toxic to animals and vegetation.

Both products are stated to comply with current and future environmental regulations including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Stewardship Program and the European Groundwater Directive.

BIOEX details ECOPOL F applications

ECOPOL F operates at concentrations from 0.1% as a wetting agent to 1% as a foam agent.

Its surfactant technology is described as driving water into burning solids to extinguish embers and reduce re-ignition.

At 0.1% to 0.5%, the product is intended for wetting applications involving vegetation, timber, tyres, plastics, car fires and structure fires.

At 0.5% to 1%, it forms an adhesive foam blanket that clings to vertical surfaces at low, medium and high expansion.

It is also described as suitable for contained Class B hydrocarbon fire scenarios involving diesel, kerosene and petrol.

The concentrate is listed for aerial and ground delivery including airtankers, helicopters, compressed air foam systems and foam proportioners.

A nitrate-free corrosion inhibitor is included alongside a 10-year warranty.

ECOPOL F is listed on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service QPL and is GreenScreen Certified.

BIOFOR is positioned for year-round use

BIOFOR is designed for wildland firefighting in remote terrain, cold weather and large-scale aerial coverage.

Its Newtonian viscosity enables pumping with standard proportioning equipment and its freeze-protection formula removes the need for heated storage.

The product supports low, medium and high expansion within a single concentrate.

Wetting properties are described as enabling water to penetrate burning solids more quickly, addressing embers at the fire’s core.

It also creates visible firebreaks on the ground to support tactical operations.

The formulation is suitable for use in winter and cold-climate zones without heated storage.

A low concentration rate is described as reducing storage requirements and supporting operational flexibility.

Arizona hosts wildfire aerial supervision academy for 2026 season preparation

Wildfire aviation training academy begins in Arizona

Wildland firefighters specialising in aerial supervision and airtanker operations are convening in Arizona over the next month to prepare for a potentially busy 2026 Fire Year.

The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) stated that the National Aerial Supervision Training Academy (NASTA) will run primarily at the Phoenix Interagency Fire Center at Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona, and at Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

The academy is described as an umbrella for about a dozen aerial firefighting and support courses for personnel from numerous agencies.

The course areas described include aerial supervision, helicopter coordination, ground-based operations and aircraft dispatching.

The training is described as standardised across federal, state and local agencies to support a single approach to aviation operations during wildfires on any jurisdiction.

Courses, partners and coordination requirements

Airspace over wildfires is described as tightly controlled and requiring close coordination.

NIFC stated that the US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service hosts the training and is joined by personnel from the US Wildland Fire Service, CAL FIRE, the State of Alaska and four military airlift wings that are part of the Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems program (MAFFS).

NIFC described this as the 12th annual academy and said it is expected to be among the largest.

Chris Tipton, fixed wing operations branch chief for the U.S. Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management, said: “This is truly a team effort.

“We couldn’t do it without the cooperation of our other federal, state, local and military partners.”

Tipton said: “The courses offered as part of the academy are all geared towards attaining qualifications that will better prepare each firefighter for the season ahead”

Public aircraft activity and training schedule

Members of the public may see aircraft conducting practice water drops in remote locations on the Tonto and Coronado National Forests and other areas.

Arizona is described as an ideal location for aerial fire training due to weather, topography and access.

Clear skies are described as reducing the chance for lost training time due to inclement weather.

NIFC stated that the Phoenix Interagency Fire Center can accommodate the number of enrolled students and the aircraft used for the training.

The academy is scheduled to conclude on 11 March.

Wildland Firefighter Safety bill on fire retardant passes US House

Washington bill on Wildland Firefighter Safety backs aerial fire retardant use

The Office of Congressman Doug LaMalfa said the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act passed the US House as part of a wider permitting reform package, the PERMIT Act, in Washington, D.C.

The office said the bill was introduced by Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale).

It said the bill is intended to keep aerial fire retardant available for wildfire response without Clean Water Act permitting delays.

Wildland Firefighter Safety and fire retardant use

The office said a 2023 federal court ruling imposed additional requirements linked to the use of aerial fire retardant by the U.S. Forest Service and other firefighting entities.

It said those restrictions risk slowing response times during wildfire incidents.

The office said the bill would clarify that a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is not required for the Forest Service to apply fire retardants from planes or helicopters to combat wildfires, if the retardants are on the current applicable Qualified Products List maintained by the Forest Service.

It said the provisions build on existing permitting exemptions for firefighting activities already in law.

Lawsuit background and permit timelines

The office said Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics sued the U.S. Forest Service in 2022 over the absence of an NPDES permit for aerially discharged fire retardant.

It said a federal court ruled in 2023 that the Forest Service must obtain an NPDES permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for aerial application of fire retardants.

It said the court did not grant the request for an injunction to block the Forest Service’s use of these products.

The office said Forest Service testimony to the House Natural Resources Committee in 2023 stated the agency believes an NPDES permit is not needed based on EPA guidance issued in 2003.

It said the Forest Service’s 2011 Nationwide Aerial Application of Fire Retardant on National Forest System Land Record of Decision prohibits discharge into bodies of water and buffer areas around those waters.

It said the Forest Service stated that, over the past 10 years, less than 1% of retardant drops impacted American waterways.

It said the Forest Service stated the EPA could take up to three years to issue an NPDES permit, followed by state permitting across 47 states.

Comments from LaMalfa and the Forest Service

Rep. Doug LaMalfa said: “With wildfire season now practically year-round and more destructive than ever, preventing or limiting the use of any fire retardant because someone insists on a permit first is completely backwards.

“Aerial fire retardant has been used safely for decades and is already highly regulated.

“These lawsuits don’t protect the environment; they tie firefighters’ hands while fires race through forests and towards homes. I’m glad to see the PERMIT Act passed the House with my bill included. It ensures our crews can act quickly, without being tripped up by fringe litigation or years of paperwork.”

Tom Schultz, U.S. Forest Service Chief, said: “Aerially delivered long-term fire retardant is an essential tool the Forest Service and the interagency wildfire response community use in support of ground-based firefighting resources.

“We thank Chairman LaMalfa for leading legislation to ensure retardant remains a tool in the wildland firefighting toolbox to protect homes and communities from the devastating impacts of catastrophic wildland fire.”

What this could change for incident planning

Fire Chiefs and senior officers with responsibility for wildfire operations may track this measure because it focuses on continued access to aerial fire retardant as part of interagency response planning.

Government departments and emergency and disaster response managers may review how the bill’s approach aligns with existing Clean Water Act exemptions for firefighting runoff described in the source material.

Training officers and instructors involved in wildland tactics may also monitor the outcome because the Forest Service position in the material describes long-term retardant as supporting ground-based resources by altering how wildfire burns and slowing fire spread after water evaporates.

Fire engineering consultants and risk assessors working with public agencies may pay attention to the permitting timeline claims in the material, including the stated three-year federal process and additional state permits, when considering operational continuity and contingency planning.

Nightstick launches compact FORGE II helmet light

Nightstick launches a slimmer helmet light

Nightstick has announced the FORGE II, a compact fire helmet light released from Wylie, Texas, with a stated output of 350 lumens and 7,360 candela.

The company said the new model is its smallest fire helmet light so far and is based on the original FORGE.

The light measures 2.36 inches in length and weighs 3.4 ounces.

Nightstick said the unit is designed to reduce bulk when mounted above or below a helmet brim.

It is also described as providing visibility through smoke and steam at distances of up to 172 metres.

The company said the FORGE II is designed to fit MSA Cairns 1010/1044 helmets and other traditional fire helmets.

It is also intended to mount to full-brim hard hats used in wildland firefighting.

Nightstick sets out output and durability details

Jonathan Gordon, Nightstick’s Marketing Manager for Fire & Industrial, said: “Feedback from first responders showed the need for a compact, high-intensity helmet light.

“FORGE II delivers powerful candela and reliable performance in a smaller footprint.”

A rear-facing green Follow Me LED is included for crew tracking in low-visibility conditions.

The tail switch is designed for gloved use and changes between high and low brightness modes.

A side-to-side swivel allows users to aim the beam without adjusting other gear.

Nightstick said the housing is made from aircraft-grade aluminium with a hard-anodised finish and that the light is rated IP67 for waterproof and dustproof protection.

The unit is also described as drop-tested from 2 metres, compliant with NFPA 1971-8.6 (2018) helmet lighting standards and supplied with a CR123 battery.

Nightstick said the FORGE II is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Vallfirest strengthens Water Hog bucket distribution and service network in EMEA

Vallfirest appoints Heliswiss Ibérica for EMEA

Vallfirest has announced in Barcelona on Friday 14 November 2025 a strategic agreement with Heliswiss Ibérica for distribution and after-sales service of its Water Hog bucket across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

According to Vallfirest, Heliswiss Ibérica will manage product distribution, technical assistance and after-sales support for the Water Hog bucket in the region.

The company said the arrangement is intended to shorten delivery times while giving aerial operators a dedicated contact for technical support.

Heliswiss Ibérica is described as a company specialised in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, leasing and equipment distribution.

Vallfirest stated that combining its wildland firefighting systems expertise with Heliswiss Ibérica’s aeronautical experience will offer a more complete service to helicopter operators involved in wildfire response.

Water Hog bucket in Vallfirest aerial line

Vallfirest explained that the Water Hog bucket forms part of its Aerial product line for wildland firefighting.

The company said the equipment is designed to address current wildfire conditions, characterised by higher fire intensity, faster spread and more complex logistics.

By positioning the Water Hog bucket within a dedicated aerial portfolio, Vallfirest aims to align the product with the operational needs of helicopter-based firefighting missions.

The firm noted that the bucket is intended for use on helicopters that support wildland firefighting operations across varied terrains and fire environments.

Distribution network focused on wildfire readiness

Vallfirest said the partnership with Heliswiss Ibérica establishes a consolidated distribution network across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The company reported that this network is set up to provide rapid delivery of Water Hog buckets to customers in the region.

It added that operators will have access to specialised technical assistance through Heliswiss Ibérica’s aeronautical support capabilities.

According to Vallfirest, this structure is designed to improve access to equipment solutions for aerial operators using the Water Hog bucket.

The company stated that the partnership is intended to enhance the operational readiness of helicopters equipped with the Water Hog bucket.

Vallfirest and Heliswiss Ibérica described their shared aim as increasing safety, efficiency and effectiveness in wildland firefighting operations that rely on helicopter deployments.

Leadership perspectives on the partnership

Vallfirest said its leadership views the collaboration as a way to strengthen the value offered to aerial operators in the EMEA market.

Javier Baena, CEO of Vallfirest, said: “We are very pleased to collaborate with Heliswiss Ibérica; their experience in the aeronautical sector and their presence in the EMEA market allow us to strengthen our value proposition for aerial operators.”

The companies highlighted that the arrangement covers both sales and ongoing operational support for the Water Hog bucket.

Xavier Domingo, CEO of Heliswiss Ibérica, stated: “Our commitment is to offer customers complete support—from sales to maintenance—of Vallfirest equipment.

“We aim to ensure that Water Hog buckets are always available and operational, especially when every minute counts in wildfire response.”

Aerial wildfire operators and procurement impact in EMEA

The agreement between Vallfirest and Heliswiss Ibérica is directly relevant to helicopter operators and fleet managers responsible for wildland firefighting across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

According to Vallfirest, the partnership creates a defined distribution route for the Water Hog bucket and links it to a dedicated technical support structure in the aeronautical sector.

For procurement officers and equipment specifiers working with aerial firefighting assets, the presence of a regional after-sales and maintenance partner may influence decisions about bucket systems for contracted or in-house fleets.

The companies’ focus on rapid delivery and specialised technical assistance means that organisations planning for wildfire seasons can factor availability and service coverage for Water Hog buckets into their readiness planning.

Wildland firefighting agencies and emergency response managers that use helicopter support may see practical implications in areas such as equipment uptime, access to repairs and coordination of bucket supply during periods of intense wildfire activity.

Federal wildland firefighting reorganisation raises safety concerns

Firefighting realignment ordered by Trump administration

President Donald Trump has signed an order to merge wildland firefighting responsibilities under a new Federal Wildland Fire Service, according to AP News.

The order would centralise firefighting duties currently distributed across five federal agencies and two Cabinet departments.

The new service would be housed within the US Department of the Interior, with roles and staff transferred from the US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service.

AP News reported that the reorganisation comes despite warnings from former federal officials and firefighter groups who say it could disrupt fire season operations and increase risks.

No cost or savings estimates have been provided, and the plan takes effect while the 2025 fire season is already active across parts of the United States.

Federal agencies impacted by planned restructuring

According to AP News, Trump’s proposal would shift the majority of personnel from the Forest Service to the new Interior-based firefighting service.

The Forest Service currently employs most federal wildland firefighters in the United States.

Critics, including several former Forest Service chiefs, said the transition could delay response efforts and undermine fire prevention work.

In a letter to lawmakers, they wrote that consolidating firefighting under one agency could “actually increase the likelihood of more large catastrophic fires, putting more communities, firefighters and resources at risk.”

The AP reported that more than 65,000 wildfires burned nearly 9 million acres of land in the US last year.

The Trump administration has previously reduced federal support for wildfire prevention and staffing, and this new change revives similar concerns about resource gaps.

Concerns raised over fire prevention and climate impacts

The presidential order did not mention climate change, despite scientists linking increased wildfire activity to higher temperatures and prolonged drought conditions.

The Center for Western Priorities, an advocacy group critical of the order, described the move as “madness.”

Aaron Weiss, deputy director of the group, said: “If President Trump was serious about improving the nation’s wildland firefighting capabilities, he would stop hollowing out the agencies tasked with fighting wildfires.”

Experts cited by AP News noted that centralisation may prioritise suppression over prevention, which could worsen conditions in areas with dense vegetation or declining forest health.

Environmentalists also pointed to other recent actions by the administration, including changes to logging regulations across US forests, as contributing to increased risk.

Political support and commercial ties

AP News reported that bipartisan legislation proposing a similar restructuring is currently under consideration.

The bill is backed by California Senator Alex Padilla and Montana Senator Tim Sheehy.

Sheehy, who previously founded an aerial firefighting company that contracts with federal agencies, also sponsored a separate bill signed by Trump that allows the continued sale of military aircraft for wildfire use.

Sheehy said in a statement: “Fighting wildfires more quickly and aggressively is America First common sense.”

Although the consolidation plan has received some legislative backing, several organisations representing firefighters have warned it could lead to higher operational costs and inefficient responses.

Emergency declaration affects wide geographical area

In addition to the order, Trump approved an emergency designation covering 176,000 square miles of forested land.

AP News stated that the affected area spans parts of the western United States, the South, Great Lakes region and New England.

Many of these forests are classified as high-risk due to insect damage, tree disease and prolonged periods without precipitation.

Critics argued that reducing environmental oversight in these areas could worsen conditions.

The US continues to experience above-average temperatures for the season, which federal agencies say may drive another intense year of wildfire activity.

Federal wildland firefighting reorganisation raises safety concerns: Summary

President Donald Trump signed an order consolidating federal wildland firefighting duties.

The new Federal Wildland Fire Service would be created under the Department of the Interior.

Personnel would transfer from the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service.

The change affects responsibilities spread across five agencies and two Cabinet departments.

AP News reported that no cost or savings estimate has been released.

Fire season is already underway across parts of the United States.

Critics, including former Forest Service chiefs, said the move could increase the risk of large fires.

A letter to lawmakers said consolidation could put communities and resources at greater risk.

The plan was not accompanied by any mention of climate change.

Environmental groups said it would prioritise suppression over prevention.

A similar proposal is backed by Senators Alex Padilla and Tim Sheehy.

Sheehy founded an aerial firefighting company that holds federal contracts.

Trump also signed a law enabling military aircraft sales for firefighting.

An emergency designation now applies to 176,000 square miles of forest land.

Many affected forests are located in western states and face high wildfire risk.

The designation includes areas in the South, Great Lakes and New England.

US 2026 Budget proposal calls for Federal Wildland Firefighting Agency

Budget proposal introduces Federal Wildland Firefighting Agency

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has reported that President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget proposal includes a plan to establish a new Federal Wildland Firefighting Agency under the Department of the Interior.

The proposal would unify existing federal responsibilities for wildfire suppression and management into a single service, consolidating the functions currently housed within the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

According to the IAFC, this new agency would be responsible for coordinating wildfire suppression responses, mitigation efforts, and partnerships with non-federal stakeholders.

Increased wildfire firefighting expenditure and USDA budget cuts

The IAFC stated that the proposed federal wildfire firefighting budget would increase by 3.6 percent to $2.9 billion under the 2026 plan.

The agency would assume management responsibilities and resources currently held by the Department of Agriculture, which would see reductions in several key programmes.

The Rural Development Programme would be cut by $721 million, including the complete removal of Community Facility grants historically used for building fire stations.

Funding for the National Forest System would be reduced by $392 million, which includes a $342 million cut to salaries and expenses.

FEMA and emergency preparedness programmes targeted for reductions

The IAFC noted that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would see a $646 million reduction in its grant programmes.

Programmes marked for removal include Targeting Violence and Terrorism Prevention and the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium.

The impact on Assistance to Firefighters Grants, SAFER, Fire Prevention and Safety, Urban Areas Security Initiative, and the State Homeland Security Grant Programme remains unclear until more detailed documentation is released.

Cuts of $491 million are also proposed for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which the administration said would be reoriented toward federal network defence and critical infrastructure protection.

Additional cuts across health, safety and environmental agencies

The Department of Health and Human Services is affected in several areas, according to the IAFC summary.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration would lose $1.065 billion in funding, eliminating a number of regional and national programmes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would face a $3.588 billion reduction. The budget proposal would consolidate several disease-focused grants into a single $300 million programme.

The proposal would also eliminate multiple CDC programmes and shift responsibility for others to state governments.

The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response would lose $240 million, with the removal of the Hospital Preparedness Programme.

The Department of Transportation’s rail safety grant funding would increase by 400 percent to $500 million.

US 2026 Budget proposal calls for Federal Wildland Firefighting Agency: Summary

President Trump’s 2026 budget proposes the creation of a Federal Wildland Firefighting Agency.

The new agency would fall under the Department of the Interior.

It would absorb wildland fire functions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Wildfire firefighting costs would rise by 3.6 percent to $2.9 billion.

USDA’s Rural Development Programme would be cut by $721 million.

Community Facility grants used for fire stations would be removed.

National Forest System funding would be reduced by $392 million.

FEMA grant programmes would be reduced by $646 million.

The impact on AFG, SAFER and other FEMA grants remains unclear.

CISA would be cut by $491 million and refocused on federal networks.

SAMHSA would see a cut of $1.065 billion with multiple programme eliminations.

CDC funding would be reduced by $3.588 billion.

Hospital Preparedness Programme funding would be eliminated.

Rail Safety Grant funding would increase to $500 million.

The IAFC said this proposal is the beginning of the 2026 appropriations process.

An exploration into wildland firefighting tools: Tackling innovation and challenges

Unlocking Vallfirest’s wildland firefighting toolbox: New trends and enduring staples

In an effort to shed light on the varied components integral to wildland firefighting, Vallfirest has unveiled its latest ‘toolbox’ concept.

This encompasses the wide spectrum of tools used in operations, each having their distinct suitability to specific tasks or fuel types.

Certain tools pair better together, fostering efficiency in combination. Take a deep dive into this concept via their dedicated webpage, and read some highlights below.

Hand and power tools in wildland firefighting

Lightweight hand tools like fire swatters and shovels are crucial for tackling burning fuel.

Equally important are tools for creating a hand line reaching down to mineral soil, such as the Gorgui, the Pulaski, the McLeod, or rakes.

Chainsaws and power blowers are examples of power tools, which while requiring fuel and maintenance, offer varied performance and options. Backpack pumps also fall under this category, requiring no water installation.

Despite being economically advantageous and long-lasting with proper maintenance, these tools do demand significant physical effort from the user and their suppression capacity is confined due to flame intensity.

Water as a quintessential firefighting resource

Water remains the supreme medium for fire suppression.

High-pressure hose nozzles can displace incandescent material and penetrate the ground, and water’s non-expiring, non-polluting nature allows for foam, wetting agents, and retardants to be added to it.

Transporting it doesn’t require pressurised tanks like CO2 does.

However, setting up a hose line requires substantial effort, potentially slowing down operations.

Solutions like the Heliskid offer suppression systems that can be transported by land or air, enabling direct hose line attacks in remote areas.

Aerial resources: An age-old ally in wildland firefighting

Aerial resources have played a pivotal role in wildland firefighting since the 1930s.

Helicopters and aeroplanes, apart from water or retardant dropping, serve to transport crew members and equipment.

They can also aid in control and coordination tasks for the unit deployed on the ground.

Tactical burns and heavy machinery in wildland firefighting

Drip torches allow fire to be used as a suppression tool, executing backfires, burnouts, or defining perimeters.

Bulldozers, on the other hand, aid in creating wide control lines, anchor points, and establishing safe zones, albeit with logistical challenges in deployment.

To address this, tools like the Dronster have been developed to provide safety and efficiency for crews.

Future of wildland firefighting: Tech innovations and safety

As we move into the future, the development of new tools and technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence could become pivotal in fire prevention and suppression.

Amidst this, the safety and security of wildland firefighters remain paramount, necessitating the development of advanced equipment, safety protocols, communication systems, and real-time health monitoring equipment.

Additionally, the significance of continuous education and training in preparing wildland firefighters for the evolving challenges presented by wildfires cannot be overlooked.

The report was made possible due to the Vallfirest x The Emergency Program agreement.

IFSJ Comment

Vallfirest’s latest toolbox provides in-depth insight into the various tools, strategies, and evolving technologies shaping the field of wildland firefighting.

The innovations discussed could revolutionise firefighting tactics, potentially enhancing both safety and effectiveness in challenging environments.