Like a June executive order requiring the merger, the joint statement blames fragmentation and lack of coordination for slowing and hampering response to wildfires. Image: Steve Cukrov/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffThe Interior and Agriculture departments have outlined a plan to merge their respective wildland firefighting functions into a new U.S. Wildland Fire Service in the latter starting in January, “elevating and unifying wildland fire programs to reflect the increasing risk to people, property and infrastructure, and the hazards faced by firefighters every day.”
Like a June executive order requiring the merger, the joint statement blames fragmentation and lack of coordination for slowing and hampering response to wildfires, adding that “Fire seasons are longer, fire intensity is increasing, and suppression and recovery costs are soaring.”
The plan features consolidation of operations such as firefighting aircraft service and predictive services; standardizing employee training; centralizing contracting, procurement and payment systems; updating standards for personal protective equipment; streamlining cooperative agreements with other levels of government; and deploying a unified wildfire risk mapping tool.
The departments also said they have “reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the wildfire workforce. Permanent pay reform is now law, ensuring competitive wages for federal and tribal firefighters. To prevent financial disincentives during peak fire seasons, the fiscal year 2026 budget requests an extension of the premium pay cap waiver.”
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