Policy & Funding
Sen. Cantwell Demands USFS Release $49 Million in Withheld Wildfire Funds as Fire Season Begins
Sen. Maria Cantwell publicly confronted the USFS chief this week over $49 million in withheld wildfire funds Washington cannot access due to Trump administration grant conditions — as a proposed FY2027 budget would slash fire assistance programs by 97%.
Policy & Funding
Congress Locks In Permanent Wildland Firefighter Pay Increases in FY2026 Budget
The FY2026 federal budget locks in permanent wildland firefighter pay increases enacted in 2025, while the new U.S. Wildland Fire Service requests $6.55 billion for its inaugural budget year. Questions remain about overall federal fire capacity.
Policy & Funding
New U.S. Wildland Fire Service and $6.55 Billion Budget Signal Major Restructuring of Federal Fire Fighting
The newly established U.S. Wildland Fire Service is requesting a $6.55 billion budget for 2026 — nearly quadrupling previous annual fire management funding — as the federal government restructures its approach to wildland fire under a consolidated agency model.
Policy & Funding
Federal Firefighting Staffing Cuts Draw Sharp Warnings from Oregon Lawmakers
Oregon's congressional Democrats warn that Forest Service budget cuts and the loss of over 1,400 certified firefighters could leave the Pacific Northwest dangerously underprepared heading into a severe 2026 fire season.
Policy & Funding
Oregon Congressional Democrats Sound Alarm Over Federal Wildfire Staffing Gaps Ahead of Critical Season
Oregon's congressional Democrats are warning that federal wildfire agencies could be understaffed and underprepared for the 2026 season, citing workforce losses, agency reorganizations, and the planned closure of the Pacific Northwest Research Station.