Confronting the Wildfire Crisis in the Southwestern Region

Wildfire crisis
Strategy and
Landscape Investments in The Southwestern Region

America's forests are in a state of fire emergency, with nearly a quarter of the lower 48 states' forests at moderate to very high risk of severe wildfires. The American West has borne the brunt of catastrophic wildfire seasons, with fires growing in both size and severity.

In 2022, the Forest Service launched a 10-year strategy to address the wildfire crisis across the west.

The Wildfire Crisis Strategy identifies the right places to do the work. 21 Wildfire Crisis Strategy Landscapes, encompassing 134 firesheds across the nation, have been designated for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act investments in Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023.Significant work is also occurring on firesheds both within and outside these landscapes through regular appropriations and special efforts like the Collaborative Forest Restoration and Joint Chiefs' programs.

The Wildfire Crisis Strategy aims to dramatically increase fuels and forest health treatments, including on four designated landscapes in Arizona and New Mexico.

Feature Stories

• Our Forest Bill is Due

  

  Fire isn’t always the enemy – sometimes it’s the answer. With the right preparation and conditions, wildfires sparked by lightning can be managed the way nature intended making communities safer. This video shows highly trained fire professionals. Always take precautions and wear protective gear when near fire.

  Feature Story

• Monks Chip Away at Wildfire Risk

  

  The USDA Forest Service is reducing wildfire risk and forging unusual, unique partnerships. Learn how Benedictine monks at Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery bring the community and Forest Service together to reduce wildfire risk near the Gila National Forest.

  Feature Story

News from the Field

• Collaboration on Fuels Treatment Planning for the Enchanted Circle
• Empowering the Next Generation: The San Carlos Apache Tribe’s Natural Resources Youth Practicum 
• Forest Service joins forces to restore habitats, support wildfire crisis strategy
• Water is Life Part 1 and Part 2
• New USDA Forest Service Helicopter Base Supports Wildfire Crisis Strategy Implementation Across the Southwest

More Resources

• National Wildfire Crisis Strategy Page
• Smoke and health information