The U.S. Department of Agriculture is ramping up wildfire preparedness ahead of the 2026 fire season, directing the U.S. Forest Service to strengthen response efforts and protect rural communities. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced a new memorandum focused on increasing firefighter readiness, expanding risk reduction efforts, and improving coordination across agencies. The plan emphasizes faster response times and enhanced forest management practices to reduce wildfire threats.
“This memorandum ensures the entire Department is aligned, prepared, and focused on responding quickly and effectively to protect communities and the natural resources Americans depend on,” Rollins said. Officials say the strategy will also benefit farmers and ranchers by protecting grazing land, timber resources, and rural infrastructure. With more than 28,000 responders and extensive aviation resources available, USDA aims to limit wildfire damage while supporting the economic stability of agricultural communities.
-NAFB