U.S. Department of Agriculture Releases 2026 Wildfire Readiness Plan

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a new memorandum outlining its approach to wildfire preparedness for the 2026 fire season, with a focus on faster response, risk reduction and firefighter safety.

Announced April 29, 2026, the directive from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins instructs the U.S. Forest Service and other USDA agencies to strengthen coordination and readiness ahead of what is expected to be an active wildfire season.

What Farmers and Rural Communities Should Know

The memorandum emphasizes protecting rural communities, natural resources and working lands through improved wildfire response and prevention efforts. USDA states that forest management remains a key part of reducing wildfire risk while supporting rural economies and maintaining access to resources like timber.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we have continuously implemented major reforms restoring active forest management, returning the Forest Service to a world-leading forestry and fire management organization, and modernizing wildfire response and improving coordination across federal agencies. This fire season we are prepared to continue our full suppression strategy to suppress fire starts quickly to protect our forests and rural communities,” said Secretary Rollins. “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. Proper forest management remains central to this effort – reducing wildfire risk, strengthening rural economies, providing affordable, high-quality lumber for American homes and preserving the nation’s landscapes for generations to come.”

Focus on Readiness and Response

The 2026 plan directs USDA agencies to maintain full staffing readiness, expand surge capacity for wildfire response and streamline contracting for fire operations. It also calls for updated performance measures related to hazardous fuels management and efforts to remove barriers to prescribed fire.

USDA indicates that firefighter health and safety will remain a top priority throughout the fire season.

Resources in Place for 2026

According to USDA, the department enters the 2026 fire season with significant firefighting resources, including more than 28,000 wildfire responders and over 22,000 contracted resources across 2,500 vendors. The agency also manages a large portion of the federal firefighting aviation fleet, including helicopters and airtankers.

USDA says it will continue working with federal, state, tribal and local partners to coordinate wildfire response efforts nationwide.

“Wildfire response is a shared responsibility, and USDA will remain vigilant,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “Our firefighters are prepared, our agencies are coordinated and we will continue doing everything we can to protect communities and the people who defend them.”

Industry Impact

The updated wildfire readiness plan is intended to improve response times, strengthen coordination and reduce wildfire risks, particularly for rural and agricultural communities that are often directly affected by fire activity.