President Trump Issues Executive Order to Modernize Wildfire Response and Prevention
On June 12, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a pivotal Executive Order titled Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response, aimed at overhauling the federal government’s approach to wildfire management. The directive seeks to strengthen coordination across agencies, promote innovative technologies, and enhance the effectiveness of wildfire prevention and response nationwide.
Under the Executive Order, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and the Interior are instructed to consolidate overlapping federal wildland fire programs, streamline procurement and research efforts, and expand the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, geospatial mapping, and predictive modeling. These tools will be used to support and improve coordination with state and local firefighting efforts and to mitigate the growing threat of catastrophic wildfires.
The Forest Landowners Association (FLA) applauds the Administration’s recognition of the urgent need to modernize wildfire management policies and is committed to ensuring that private landowners have a seat at the table in this process.
“Private forest landowners are essential partners in any serious wildfire prevention strategy,” said Scott Jones, CEO of the Forest Landowners Association. “We appreciate President Trump’s leadership in directing federal agencies to streamline and modernize wildfire response. FLA looks forward to working closely with the Administration, USDA, and the Department of the Interior to ensure that the role of private landowners—who manage the majority of forested acres in the U.S.—is elevated in science-based, commonsense solutions to wildfire prevention and recovery.”
Wildfires remain one of the most significant threats to America’s forests, communities, and rural economy. FLA supports proactive, science-based policies—such as prescribed burns, fuel load reduction, and technology-driven risk assessment—and will continue to advocate for policy frameworks that recognize the role of private landowners in protecting forest health and public safety.
To read the full Executive Order, visit: Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response.