Wildfire management in the United States relies on collaborative efforts among federal, state, Tribal, and local agencies.
The U.S. Department of the Interior, alongside the Department of Agriculture, shares responsibility for managing wildfires on approximately 640 million acres of federally owned land.
This includes forests, grasslands, and other ecosystems.
Federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service, play unique roles in wildfire management.
Together, they employ over 17,000 wildland fire personnel to respond to fires, mitigate risks, and support recovery efforts.
Tribes play an essential role in protecting the 56 million acres of trust land held by the federal government.
Many operate independent wildland fire programs while receiving support from the Bureau of Indian Affairs for additional protection and ecosystem restoration.
Local governments also contribute through municipal emergency services and fire departments.
State forestry departments and private industry provide additional resources, such as firefighting crews and specialized equipment.
Most aircraft used in wildfire operations are privately owned and contracted by federal agencies, emphasizing the role of the private sector in these efforts.
Wildfires often cross boundaries, requiring extensive coordination among jurisdictions.
The National Incident Management System, administered by FEMA, standardizes emergency management practices across agencies.
The system includes the Incident Command System, which ensures efficient response coordination.
Large wildfires are often managed by interagency incident management teams comprising personnel from federal, state, Tribal, and local organizations.
Support can be mobilized nationally through the National Interagency Coordination Center, which dispatches resources to large-scale wildfires when local and regional capacities are exceeded.
When wildfires ignite, initial responses typically involve local agencies.
If additional resources are needed, regional and national systems activate to ensure adequate personnel and equipment are available.
This interagency approach aims to manage wildfires effectively while prioritizing the protection of lives, property, and natural resources.
All wildland fire personnel follow standardized guidelines set by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.
Wildfire management in the U.S. involves federal, state, Tribal, and local collaboration.
The Departments of the Interior and Agriculture manage wildfires across 640 million acres of federal land.
Tribal, state, and private industry partners play critical roles by providing resources and expertise.
Coordination is supported by the National Incident Management System and the Incident Command System, which guide emergency responses.
Interagency efforts prioritize safety, efficiency, and the protection of lives, property, and natural resources.
Large wildfires are often managed by interagency teams supported by the National Interagency Coordination Center.
