With support from the USDA Forest Service’s State Fire Assistance program, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is achieving goals outlined in the state’s Forest Action Plan. Every few years, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Great Lakes Forest Fire Compact, identifies a common fire problem and creates a multi-year fire [read more]
FireWise of Southwest Colorado had some big things to celebrate at its bimonthly meeting Tuesday, including three national awards. Judy Winzell got a standing ovation from her neighbors at Falls Creek as she accepted the Community Wildfire Preparedness Pioneer Award – one of only four in the nation – from Durango Fire Protection District Deputy [read more]
The U.S. Forest Service, the White House, bipartisan supporters in Congress and conservation groups are trying to push through legislation (H.R. 167) so that the costs of fighting catastrophic wildfires would be paid from emergency funds, just as when other natural disasters strike. The Forest Service and Interior Department would continue to fund routine firefighting from their regular budgets. [read more]
The 2015 National Smokey Bear Awards nomination period is now open. This prestigious award program recognizes organizations and/or individuals for outstanding service in wildfire prevention programs. These awards remind us of the hard work our employees and cooperators do to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires. National Association of State Foresters is proud to continue this award [read more]
Florida State Forester Jim Karels was recognized by the Florida Cabinet this week in appreciation for his leadership during the investigation into the deaths of 19 firefighters in the Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona in 2013. “Jim demonstrated true leadership in lending his expertise and experience to the investigation of the fire that killed 19 [read more]
The National Association of State Foresters, International Association of Fire Chiefs, and National Fire Protection Association are pleased to announce that the Wildfire Mitigation Awards will launch in 2015. The call for nominations open at the NASF Annual Meeting in September 2014. The national awards will recognize outstanding service in wildfire mitigation efforts and activities [read more]
The recent decision by the Department of Defense (DoD) to halt further transfer of excess trucks, generators, pumps, and engine parts will cost states and local fire departments the opportunity to utilize excess equipment to protect lives and property from wildfire. There are two major federal excess property programs for state foresters: 1. Federal Excess [read more]
On April 9th, the Obama Administration outlined a new strategy to protect communities, businesses and public and private lands from the threat of wildland fire for the 2014 fire season. The National Cohesive Wild land Fire Management Strategy divides the nation according to fire risks, and profiles the communities that face those risks. Developed by [read more]
The House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a hearing today on the Administration's fiscal year 2015 budget proposal for the USDA Forest Service with Chief Tom Tidwell was a witness. Rep. Moran (D-VA) questioned Chief Tidwell over proposed reductions to the Urban and Community Forestry Program (UCF). Tidwell responded [read more]
The National Wildlife Coordinating Group’s Incident Emergency Medical Subcommittee (IEMS) has announced the recipients of the “2013 Wildlife Emergency Medical Service Awards.” This kicks off an annual awards program designed to honor organizations and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding work, actions, or programs in emergency medical service for wildland firefighters. The four award categories that [read more]
