Wildfires are growing bigger, faster and more unpredictable. Drought conditions and years of accumulated dry vegetation continue to raise the stakes, and the U.S. Forest Service is prepared.

The Forest Service coordinates the largest and most capable firefighting systems in the world. The mission: keep the public and firefighters safe, protect communities and actively manage forests.

A National Response Network

Operational readiness goes beyond firefighters and includes fully integrated crews, equipment, aviation assets and logistical systems that can surge quickly wherever needed.

• 28,000+ responders ready to mobilize anywhere

• 100% of interagency logistical contracts for wildland fire, giving access to 22,000+ resources from 2,500 vendors

• 90+ Hotshot Crews — the most highly trained firefighters in the federal system

• 40 Type 2 Initial Attack crews for rapid response

• 400+ additional Type 2 crews for extended operations

• 900 agency fire engines plus 1,600+ contracted engines and heavy equipment

This system allows rapid, coordinated action wherever wildfire threatens, not just on federal lands.

In the Sky

The Forest Service manages more than 400 aircraft—airtankers, helicopters and water-scoopers—including 29 large and very large airtankers ready to respond nationwide.

Prevention Starts Early

Wildfire preparedness isn’t just fighting fire. Each year, the Forest Service reduces hazardous fuels across 3-4 million acres, more than any other federal agency. Through active forest management like thinning, timber harvest and prescribed fire, wildfire risk is reduced for communities.

Most wildfires are human-caused, and many begin on private lands. Prevention, public education and collaboration with states, tribes and private landowners are essential parts of shared responsibility in readiness.

Unified and Ready

From prevention to rapid response, the Forest Service operates under a national coordination system ensuring shared resources without delays.

Wildfire will always be a challenge, but the Forest Service is ready. Every day. Everywhere. For everyone.

Our Preparedness Pillars

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  Firefighter and public safety are at the core of everything we do.

  Safety First
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  When seconds count, heavy equipment operators show up with the big tools.

  Rapid Response
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  Training like the National Spotter Academy ensures firefighting resources are ready.

  Trained Workforce
• 

  Mobile tanker bases support heavy helicopters’ aggressive initial attack.

  Aviation Strength
• 

  Being prepared means reducing wildfire risk using prescribed fire and active management. 

  Reducing Wildfire Risk
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  When it comes to fire management, you can count on us.

  What you can expect from us

Safety is at the core of everything we do.

• When a wildfire starts, the safety of firefighters and the public is always our first priority.

• We respond to every wildfire quickly with the goal of reducing harm to people, homes, infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources.

• When conditions allow, we take advantage of opportunities to reduce future wildfire risk using prescribed fire to create healthier forests.

What You Can Expect From Us

• We will explain the tactics we use and why.

• Our response will be aggressive, coordinated, and unified.

• We are committed to cutting bureaucratic delays.

• We prioritize firefighter and public safety above all else.

Chief’s Letter of Intent for the 2026 Fire Season (PDF, 111 KB)

Secretary of Agriculture Issues 2026 Wildfire Readiness Memorandum Ahead of Active Fire Season

Preparedness Resources

• AirNow Fire & Smoke Map

• Predictive Services 

• Preparedness Levels 

• Local incident information

• Ready.gov wildfire guidance

For more information, reach out to our press desk at SM.FS.pressoffice@usda.gov