The Trump administration plans to consolidate U.S. wildland firefighting efforts into a single Federal Wildland Fire Service within the Interior Department. This restructuring raises concerns among former officials about the potential for increased wildfire risks and costs, especially given recent budget cuts that have already reduced federal firefighter numbers. As wildfires grow in intensity due to climate change, the shift aims to streamline operations by reallocating personnel from the U.S. Forest Service. However, many assert that these changes may create more problems than solutions in wildfire management.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated the new Federal Wildland Fire Service aims to streamline firefighting efforts, advocating for more frontline personnel over administrative roles.
Former officials warn that merging firefighting efforts may lead to higher risks of catastrophic wildfires, potentially costing billions in damage.
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