The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has appointed Bob Horton as the new Wildfire & Policy Branch Chief.
This new role, starting on the 24th anniversary of Horton’s career, underscores his long-standing commitment to public safety.
Horton began his journey in firefighting with Las Vegas Fire & Rescue and now brings his expertise to a national stage, guiding USFA’s wildfire policies and risk reduction strategies.
In this position, Horton will lead efforts on wildfire policy development and provide essential advice on risk management to the U.S. Fire Administrator, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, and other senior officials.
Dr. Moore-Merrell stated: “U.S. Fire Administration welcomes our Wildfire Policy Branch Chief Bob Horton.
“He brings a wealth of wildfire expertise, and we are excited to have him engaged at the national level.”
As the Wildfire & Policy Branch Chief, Horton will focus on enhancing community safety through coordinated risk reduction measures.
Drawing from nearly 24 years in public safety, he is well-versed in executive leadership, policy assessment, and applied research.
His experience includes serving as Fire Chief in Southern Oregon, where he made strides in community risk reduction, emergency medical services, and the integration of technology in field operations.
Horton’s expertise also spans behavioral economics and public policy, areas critical to the development of effective wildfire management strategies.
His work aims to address the multifaceted challenges posed by wildfires in the U.S., fostering safer communities through proactive planning and policy implementation.
In addition to his role with the USFA, Horton contributes to wildfire education as a faculty member at both Oregon State University’s College of Forestry and the College of Southern Nevada.
His academic focus includes teaching courses on wildfire policy, risk communication, and community risk reduction.
Horton’s commitment to evidence-based policy is evident in his research, which examines risk communication and behavioral science within the wildland-urban interface.
Horton also serves as an Impact Strategist for Upstream ABI, advising government, business, and non-profit organizations on public safety and risk management.
Horton’s appointment brings a scholarly perspective to the USFA, coupled with substantial field experience.
Known for his contributions to public service thought leadership, he is the host of the “Assuming Command” podcast, which explores leadership in the public sector.
Horton’s academic background includes a doctoral pursuit in public policy at Old Dominion University, enhancing his approach to policy-making.
With these combined skills, Horton is positioned to make meaningful contributions to the USFA’s mission.
Reflecting on his new role, Horton stated: “I am honored to join the dedicated team at USFA and FEMA, supporting our fire service members and working to enhance the safety of our communities.
“The collective ‘we’ have much to do, and I’m excited for the work ahead.”
Bob Horton has been appointed as the new Wildfire & Policy Branch Chief of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).
With a 24-year career in public safety, Horton will lead national wildfire policy initiatives and advise on risk reduction strategies.
His experience includes executive leadership, policy evaluation, and public safety research, notably as a former Fire Chief in Southern Oregon.
Horton also teaches at Oregon State University and the College of Southern Nevada, where he focuses on wildfire policy and risk communication.
As a scholar-practitioner, Horton brings a well-rounded approach to wildfire management, combining field expertise and academic research.
