Monday, October 20, 2025
National Museum of Forest Service History: Forest fire lookout (photo diary)
The National Museum of Forest Service History provided some background material on forest fire lookouts, which, in their early days, consisted of high peaks with an unobstructed view, where tents were the only shelter and short mapboard stands were utilized for pinpointing the smoke on maps.
National Museum of Forest Service History: Forest fire lookout (photo diary)
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Friday, October 17, 2025
New Catching Wildfire podcast examines emerging wildfire response tools and strategies
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Kim Zagaris, Wildfire Policy and Technology Advisor for the Western Fire Chiefs Association, will co-host a new podcast titled "Catching Wildfire: Emerging Technologies and Operational Innovations in Wildfire," which will examine how emerging technologies are influencing wildfire detection, management and response across the U.S.
New Catching Wildfire podcast examines emerging wildfire response tools and strategies
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Thursday, October 16, 2025
Experts reveal climate change drove extreme wildfire seasons across the Americas, making burned areas much larger
In a new study published in the journal Earth System Science Data, the University of Melbourne, Australia's second annual "State of Wildfires" report warns that climate change has increased areas burned by wildfires by a magnitude of 30 times in some regions in the world, totaling 3.7 million sq km - an area larger than India.
Experts reveal climate change drove extreme wildfire seasons across the Americas, making burned areas much larger
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Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Inaudible sound might be the next frontier in wildfire defense
Rocky River, Ohio-based Sonic Fire Tech has built a NASA-inspired acoustic fire suppression system that doesn’t just extinguish flames, it might also protect homes and other buildings from the approach of wildfires.
Inaudible sound might be the next frontier in wildfire defense
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Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Evacuations ordered in Southern California as severe storms threaten communities impacted by January wildfires
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for parts of Southern California, including Los Angeles County, marking the first Severe Thunderstorm Watch for LA in more than 17 years, which led to evacuation warnings for areas particularly vulnerable to mudslides after January's wildfires.
Evacuations ordered in Southern California as severe storms threaten communities impacted by January wildfires
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Monday, October 13, 2025
TracPlus and OroraTech Launch First-of-Its-Kind Two-Way Data Integration to Accelerate Wildfire Decision-Making
Wildfire NOTD subscriber John O'Hara, CEO at TracPlus, announced a first-of-its-kind two-way data integration between TracPlus and OroraTech designed to accelerate wildfire decision-making, with the following comments: "Wildfires evolve by the minute. By pairing verified drop intelligence and live aircraft movement with OroraTech’s satellite-derived perimeters, incident leaders see two essential facts at once: where the fire is and where suppression has actually occurred, so they can direct the next action with confidence."
TracPlus and OroraTech Launch First-of-Its-Kind Two-Way Data Integration to Accelerate Wildfire Decision-Making
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Friday, October 10, 2025
Sept 2025 U.S. VLAT/LAT Fleet & Airport Activity Report
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Lance Sherry, Director of the Center for Air Transportation Systems Research at George Mason University, sent along a report on U.S. air-tanker operations for the month of September.
Sept 2025 U.S. VLAT/LAT Fleet & Airport Activity Report
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Thursday, October 9, 2025
U.S. Firefighting Aircraft Market Projections 2025-2032: Key Trends, Opportunities, and Growth Factors in New Report | Lockheed Martin Corporation, Boeing Company, Air Tractor Inc.
Coherent Market Insights has published a new report titled "U.S. Firefighting Aircraft Market 2025," which offers insights into the global and regional market outlook from 2025 to 2032, exploring changing market trends, investment hotspots, competitive landscapes, regional developments, and key segments.
U.S. Firefighting Aircraft Market Projections 2025-2032: Key Trends, Opportunities, and Growth Factors in New Report | Lockheed Martin Corporation, Boeing Company, Air Tractor Inc.
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Wednesday, October 8, 2025
We are not monitoring brown carbon emissions from wildfires properly
A consortium led by the Environmental Protection Agency has launched the Atmospheric Science and Chemistry Measurement Network (ASCENT), installing advanced instruments, including aethalometers and aerosol speciation monitors, at twelve sites across the United States to monitor brown carbon, which is emitted when organic matter burns inefficiently, such as in wildfires.
We are not monitoring brown carbon emissions from wildfires properly
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Tuesday, October 7, 2025
California's home insurer of last resort seeks 36% rate hike following January fires
The California FAIR Plan, the Golden State's home insurer of last resort, is seeking an average 35.8% rate hike, its largest in years, following billions of dollars of losses incurred in the January firestorms in Los Angeles County.
California's home insurer of last resort seeks 36% rate hike following January fires
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Monday, October 6, 2025
This wildfire evacuation checklist that could save lives this season
The Western Fire Chiefs Association has released detailed guidance on what to do before, during and after a wildfire evacuation to help families, property-owners and communities stay safe as wildfire seasons become longer and more frequent across the U.S.
This wildfire evacuation checklist that could save lives this season
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Friday, October 3, 2025
Wildfire Disasters Surged in the Past 10 Years, Study Shows
A new study published in the journal Science shows that 43% of catastrophic wildfires have occurred over the past 10 years, with damage peaking in 2018 at five times the 44-year average, totaling $28.3 billion globally, with half of all 43 fire events that caused $1 billion or more in damage since 1980 occurring in the last decade alone.
Wildfire Disasters Surged in the Past 10 Years, Study Shows
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Thursday, October 2, 2025
How the US government shutdown will affect wildland firefighters
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Hunter Bassler, a Journalist at the IAWF's Wildfire Today, reported on the impact of the federal government shutdown on wildland firefighters as they battle numerous wildfires across the U.S.
How the US government shutdown will affect wildland firefighters
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Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Press Release: Bynum and Neguse Introduce Federal Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act to Safeguard Firefighters During Government Shutdown
The Federal Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, which aims to safeguard federal firefighters, including wildland firefighters, during government shutdowns by preventing pay disruptions and layoffs for firefighting positions during such periods, garnered support from the National Federation of Federal Employees.
Press Release: Bynum and Neguse Introduce Federal Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act to Safeguard Firefighters During Government Shutdown
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Tuesday, September 30, 2025
California’s Wildfire Conservancy Advocates for Wildland Firefighter’s Health before the United States Congress
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Matt Rahn, Research Director of the Wildfire Conservancy, participated in a critical discussion convened by the House Natural Resources Committee Democrats titled “The Cost of Courage: How Our Wildland Firefighters Have Been Left Behind,” to address the crucial issue of chronic underfunding that has exacerbated a health crisis for wildland firefighters, including the stalling of essential cancer research.
California’s Wildfire Conservancy Advocates for Wildland Firefighter’s Health before the United States Congress
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Monday, September 29, 2025
Idaho firefighter died after being hit by falling tree near Kooskia
Idaho Department of Lands officials reported that a female firefighter from Minnesota died after being hit by a falling tree on a prescribed fire being conducted by U.S. Forest Service on the Nez Perce–Clearwater National Forests near Kooskia.
Idaho firefighter died after being hit by falling tree near Kooskia
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Friday, September 26, 2025
GoFundMe created for Kern County firefighter chief's recovery after Canyon Fire crash
A GoFundMe campaign was made by the Kern County Firefighters, IAFF Local 1301, for Battalion Chief James Agee as he continues to recover after he was severely injured in a rollover crash while working on the Canyon Fire on August 8th.
GoFundMe created for Kern County firefighter chief's recovery after Canyon Fire crash
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Thursday, September 25, 2025
House and Senate move to tackle wildfire risk through forest conservation
The Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act, which was introduced into Congress on Wednesday, September 24th, would allow states to designate accredited nonprofit land trusts to hold and manage conservation easements purchased with funding from the US Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program in an effort to expand conservation tools and reduce wildfire risk.
House and Senate move to tackle wildfire risk through forest conservation
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Wednesday, September 24, 2025
USDA Invests in 58 Community Projects to Reduce Wildfire Risk
The Secretary of Agriculture announced that the U.S. Forest Service is investing $200 million in 58 projects through the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program to help at-risk communities plan for and reduce wildfire risk, protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
USDA Invests in 58 Community Projects to Reduce Wildfire Risk
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Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Lawmakers push to expand hazard pay for federal wildland firefighters
There is a push in Congress to expand the use of hazard pay for federal wildland firefighters through introduction of the Wildland Firefighter Hazard Pay Correction Act, which would loosen restrictions so that hazard pay also applies to situations where firefighters are conducting prescribed burns or doing training jumps.
Lawmakers push to expand hazard pay for federal wildland firefighters
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Monday, September 22, 2025
The L.A. wildfire cleanup was fast. Residents eager to rebuild worry officials chose speed over safety
Although federal agencies touted the speed with which the cleanup following January's Los Angeles County wildfires was accomplished, with nearly 9,700 properties cleared in eight months, critics worry workers sacrificed safety for the sake of speed, with a significant number of supposedly-cleaned properties still containing elevated levels of lead.
The L.A. wildfire cleanup was fast. Residents eager to rebuild worry officials chose speed over safety
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Friday, September 19, 2025
Scientists predict wildfire smoke will be the most costly climate-related health hazard
A new study published in the journal Nature on Thursday by a professor of environmental social sciences at Stanford University found that each year, on average, wildfire smoke is causing more than 41,400 excess deaths, which could grow by mid-century to an additional 26,500 to 30,000 deaths as wildfires multiply.
Scientists predict wildfire smoke will be the most costly climate-related health hazard
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Thursday, September 18, 2025
Providing N95s for Wildland Firefighters is a Step Forward, but We Must do More to Protect Them from Smoke
Following the U.S. Forest Service's decision last week to provide N95 masks to wildland firefighters for voluntary use and for light duty tasks only, the Federation of American Scientists urged investment in developing personal protective equipment that is specifically designed for the unique hazards and demands of wildland firefighting.
Providing N95s for Wildland Firefighters is a Step Forward, but We Must do More to Protect Them from Smoke
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Wednesday, September 17, 2025
From Algorithms to Action: How I Became a Disaster Response Volunteer
A member of Team Rubicon, the all-volunteer disaster response team composed entirely of military veterans, discussed his journey with the organization, including a junket to Southern California in the wake of January's Eaton Fire to perform wildfire recovery operations.
From Algorithms to Action: How I Became a Disaster Response Volunteer
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Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Departments of Interior and Agriculture Announce Wildland Fire Service Plan to Modernize Federal Wildfire Response
The Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture announced the coordinated action to implement President Trump’s Executive Order 14308, Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response, by creating the U.S. Wildland Fire Service to modernize wildfire management nationwide by unifying wildland fire programs from multiple agencies into one.
Departments of Interior and Agriculture Announce Wildland Fire Service Plan to Modernize Federal Wildfire Response
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Monday, September 15, 2025
NAU Researchers Unveil New Wildfire Tracking Tool
The Treatment and Wildfire Interagency Geodatabase (TWIG), the most comprehensive resource of its kind, bringing together decades of fuel treatment records and wildfire data from across the U.S. into one interactive platform, has been developed by Northern Arizona University’s Ecological Restoration Institute, in partnership with two other Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes.
NAU Researchers Unveil New Wildfire Tracking Tool
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Friday, September 12, 2025
NTSB report finds human error caused deadly California helicopter collision
In its final report released on Thursday, the National Transportation Safety Board stated that an S-64 Skycrane's crew entered a restricted air zone on August 6, 2023 at too high an altitude and then made an “aggressive descent,” striking a CAL FIRE Bell 407 helicopter, which crashed immediately afterwards near Cabazon, in Riverside County, killing its crew of three.
NTSB report finds human error caused deadly California helicopter collision
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Thursday, September 11, 2025
Fire Ready Nation Act passes Senate to boost wildfire prevention
The Fire Ready Nation Act, a bipartisan bill which was introduced into the U.S. Senate in January with the main purpose of establishing the Fire Weather Services program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to help prevent, forecast and fight wildfires, passed unanimously on Wednesday.
Fire Ready Nation Act passes Senate to boost wildfire prevention
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Wednesday, September 10, 2025
U.S. Forest Service now allows wildfire crews to wear masks
After years of wildland firefighters developing cancer, lung disease and other health issues while not being allowed to wear masks as they work, the U.S. Forest Service will now allow these crews to wear masks on the fireline.
U.S. Forest Service now allows wildfire crews to wear masks
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Tuesday, September 9, 2025
U.S. Very Large/Large Air Tanker Fleet and Airport Operations (Aug. 2025)
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Lance Sherry, Director of the Center for Air Transportation Systems Research at George Mason University, sent along a report on U.S. air-tanker operations for the month of August.
U.S. Very Large/Large Air Tanker Fleet and Airport Operations (Aug. 2025)
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Monday, September 8, 2025
From Detection to Action: Closing the 95 Year Gap in Aerial Wildfire Response
An article provides a comprehensive overview of how drones and optionally piloted aircraft can end a 95‑year gap in aerial firefighting - since the first water drops in 1930 - that keeps the most critical airborne support on the sidelines.
From Detection to Action: Closing the 95 Year Gap in Aerial Wildfire Response
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Friday, September 5, 2025
Federal firefighting agency ‘consolidation’ plan deadline next week
A major deadline set by an Executive Order from President Trump to consolidate the firefighting apparatus in the Department of Interior and the Department of Agriculture, basically combining five firefighting agencies' personnel into one, is approaching, with some advocacy organizations hoping it will improve coordination.
Federal firefighting agency ‘consolidation’ plan deadline next week
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Thursday, September 4, 2025
West experiencing record heat, fire danger as wildfire smoke reduces air quality
ABC News provided an overview of wildfires burning across the West, where significant areas remain under advisories for high temperatures and dozens of wildland blazes burn, especially in Northern California and parts of Oregon pummeled by thousands of lightning strikes.
West experiencing record heat, fire danger as wildfire smoke reduces air quality
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Wednesday, September 3, 2025
UAFA – Federal Buying Changes Could Hurt Wildland Firefighting
Big changes proposed by the Trump Administration will impact companies who fight wildfires from above, potentially slowing down how quickly aircraft are on wildfires and how the industry submits proposals and operates.
UAFA – Federal Buying Changes Could Hurt Wildland Firefighting
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Tuesday, September 2, 2025
How drones and AI are changing the way we fight wildfires
As the threat of wildfires intensifies, both fire practitioners and researchers across the West are bolstering their arsenal with cutting-edge tools, bringing drones and artificial intelligence to bear on the age-old problem of wildfires.
How drones and AI are changing the way we fight wildfires
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Friday, August 29, 2025
An experimental NOAA tool that predicts hourly wildfire hazards across the U.S.
With wildfires continuing to worsen nationwide, NOAA’s Global Systems Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado is developing sophisticated tools to give forecasters, land managers, emergency response officials, and firefighters improved situational awareness of rapidly developing wildfire hazards.
An experimental NOAA tool that predicts hourly wildfire hazards across the U.S.
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Thursday, August 28, 2025
As Extreme Fire Danger Grips California, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff Urges USDA to Address Resource and Firefighter Staffing Shortages at the Forest Service
U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and John Curtis (R-Utah) are urging the Secretary of Agriculture to increase the firefighting capacity at the U.S. Forest Service as staffing shortages persist and as California faces extreme heat warnings and wildfire season continues across the West.
As Extreme Fire Danger Grips California, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff Urges USDA to Address Resource and Firefighter Staffing Shortages at the Forest Service
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Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Study projects increases in lightning, wildfire risk for the U.S. Northwest
A new study published in the journal Earth's Future offers detailed projections of lightning across the Western U.S. for the mid-21st century, noting that the largest change is expected in parts of Idaho, Washington and Oregon, with 4-12 more days of lightning per year in some parts of the Rocky Mountains, increasing the wildfire danger for this region.
Study projects increases in lightning, wildfire risk for the U.S. Northwest
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Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Extreme weather slams the West with dust storms and wildfires
CBS News provided an overview of wildfires raging across the West, with extreme heat fueling at least 55 large blazes, including the 34 sq mile Flat Fire in Central Oregon and the Pickett Fire in Northern California's Napa County, which is threatening wineries' grape crops.
Extreme weather slams the West with dust storms and wildfires
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Monday, August 25, 2025
Former Air Force Pilot Trades Military Missions For Slurry-Bombing Wildfires
The pilot of an AT-802A Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) with the callsign “Tanker 837," discussed what it's like conducting airstrikes on wildfires across Wyoming after a long career flying for the U.S. Air Force.
Former Air Force Pilot Trades Military Missions For Slurry-Bombing Wildfires
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Friday, August 22, 2025
UC Irvine-led research team uncovers global wildfire paradox
In a new study published in the journal Science, researchers at the University of California, Irvine and other institutions have spotted a contradiction in worldwide wildfire trends: Despite a 26% decline in total burned area from 2002 to 2021, the number of people exposed to wildfires has surged by nearly 40%.
UC Irvine-led research team uncovers global wildfire paradox
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Thursday, August 21, 2025
Industry managed forests more likely to fuel megafires
A new study published in the journal Global Change Biology by researchers at the University of Utah, University of California, Berkeley, and the U.S. Forest Service shows that the odds of a high-severity wildfire were nearly one-and-a-half times higher on industrial private land, such as commercial forests, than on publicly owned forests.
Industry managed forests more likely to fuel megafires
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Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Why firefighters are facing toxic smoke with little to no protection
At the height of wildfire season, thousands of firefighters are regularly facing a host of dangers on the frontline, including confronting toxic smoke, prompting PBS NewsHour to take a closer look at the health of wildland firefighters.
Why firefighters are facing toxic smoke with little to no protection
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Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Between flames and the sky are America’s aerial firefighters
Across the country, fire season is starting early and running late this year, with more than 43,000 wildfires having already burned over 3.5 million acres nationwide, and aerial firefighting is proving to be a key part of efforts to suppress these blazes.
Between flames and the sky are America’s aerial firefighters
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Monday, August 18, 2025
Fun Facts About Boomer In Under Two Minutes
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Tom Lasser, a retired Lt Colonel and CH-47 pilot in the California National Guard, sent along a fun and informative video on Billings Flying Service's firefighting version of his favorite aircraft - the mighty CH-47D.
Fun Facts About Boomer In Under Two Minutes
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Friday, August 15, 2025
Top Democrat on Oversight Committee Demands Trump Administration Account for Wildland Firefighter Vacancies
The top Democrat on the House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is demanding that the Agriculture Secretary account for discrepancies between her public statements about wildland firefighter staffing and a ProPublica report showing there were thousands of vacancies in the Forest Service’s firefighting workforce as peak wildfire season approached.
Top Democrat on Oversight Committee Demands Trump Administration Account for Wildland Firefighter Vacancies
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Thursday, August 14, 2025
Amid staffing cuts, Forest Service wants seasonal firefighters to work more hours this year
The U.S. Forest Service is taking the unusual step of allowing its temporary staff to work for more than half the year, waiving a statutory cap as it enters peak wildfire season after shedding thousands of personnel.
Amid staffing cuts, Forest Service wants seasonal firefighters to work more hours this year
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Wednesday, August 13, 2025
U.S. Very Large/Large Air Tanker Fleet and Airport Operations (July, 2025)
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Lance Sherry, Director of the Center for Air Transportation Systems Research at George Mason University, sent along a report on U.S. air-tanker operations with the following comments: "There were a total of 2856 flights In July (up from 1590 in June and 742 in May). The average aircraft operated 68 flights in July (up from 37.8 in June and 11.8 in May). Total flight hours was 2,502 (increase 69% from June)."
U.S. Very Large/Large Air Tanker Fleet and Airport Operations (July, 2025)
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Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Data Reveal Extent of Air Quality Impacts During 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires
A new study published in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology Letters compares smoke data that went into the maps from federal monitoring stations, low-cost sensors and satellites, highlighting the importance of combining multiple data sources to form easily-accessible information for the public.
Data Reveal Extent of Air Quality Impacts During 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires
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Monday, August 11, 2025
California's wildfire moonshot: How new technology will defeat advancing flames
The chief of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, who also chairs the technology committee of the International Fire Chiefs Association, likened the Golden State's efforts to innovate how it fights wildfires to President Kennedy's goal of landing on the moon by the end of the 1960s - a moonshot.
California's wildfire moonshot: How new technology will defeat advancing flames
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Friday, August 8, 2025
U.S. Forest Service firefighter's family seeks help after tree-strike on Butler Fire
The family of a member of the El Cariso Hotshots, one of three U.S. Forest Service firefighters injured in a tree-strike incident on July 18th, is seeking community support to help cover medical expenses and support their family during his recovery after they experienced what his wife called "roadblocks" with providers getting him the care he needs.
U.S. Forest Service firefighter's family seeks help after tree-strike on Butler Fire
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Thursday, August 7, 2025
Millions under air quality alerts as wildfires rage in Canada
ABC News provided an update on air quality across the northern portion of the U.S. and down the East Coast, as satellite video showed massive amounts of smoke being emitted by Canadian wildfires.
Millions under air quality alerts as wildfires rage in Canada
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Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Millions in path of toxic smoke, wildfires and extreme heat
As toxic wildfire smoke once again inundated U.S. cities, posing a hazard to millions of Americans, state and local leaders were calling on Canada to do more to contain wildfires which are flooding the U.S. with smoke.
Millions in path of toxic smoke, wildfires and extreme heat
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Tuesday, August 5, 2025
The Wildfire Workforce, Culture, And The National Wildfire Service: A Conversation With Angeles National Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia.
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Robert Garcia, Fire Chief at Angeles National Forest, discussed his career, the importance of supporting the workforce amid changing times, the crucial subject of wildfire culture of all wildfire resources, and what that looks like moving towards a National Wildfire Service.
The Wildfire Workforce, Culture, And The National Wildfire Service: A Conversation With Angeles National Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia.
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Monday, August 4, 2025
2025 wildfire season expected to be longest in North American history, government scientists say
Government scientists warned that the 2025 wildfire season will last well into the fall, amid high temperatures and extremely dry conditions, even as the massive Dragon Bravo Fire exceeded 100,000 acres in size in Arizona and the 58,000-acre Monroe Canyon Fire continued to spread in Utah.
2025 wildfire season expected to be longest in North American history, government scientists say
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Friday, August 1, 2025
Canadian Wildfire Smoke Triggers Air Quality Alerts Across Upper Midwest
Air Quality Alerts are in effect across a broad swath of the Upper Midwest, impacting over 100 million Americans as thick smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and northern Indiana.
Canadian Wildfire Smoke Triggers Air Quality Alerts Across Upper Midwest
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Thursday, July 31, 2025
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Debbie Miley, Executive Director of the National Wildfire Suppression Association, sent along an announcement with the following comments: "The National Wildfire Suppression Association is hosting it’s upcoming Innovation in Wildfire Response Showcase of cutting edge tools, technology, and equipment which can support and enhance wildfire response efforts. The Event will be hosted in Boise, Idaho on October 29th and 30th. We will have indoor and outdoor venues allowing for all types and sizes of technology, and the experts to showcase them. We encourage decision-makers, and those who determine the needs on the fires, and those that order the equipment to come visit. If anyone has a new technology that they would like to showcase, we still have room for more exhibitors. You can find information on registration at www.nwsa.us/news/innovation-in-wildfire-response-showcase/ or you can reach out to us at 503-897-6150, as well as email us at info@nwsa.us."
2025 New Fuels & Fire Technology Fair
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Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Heinrich co-sponsors bill to study wildfire impacts on home insurance
In an era in which insurers are being hammered by wildfire damage claims, prompting them to increase premiums or cancel policies altogether, the “Wildfire Insurance Coverage Study Act of 2025” was introduced in Congress, which would empower the GAO to conduct a wide-ranging study of wildfires’ effects on private insurers’ behavior over the last decade.
Heinrich co-sponsors bill to study wildfire impacts on home insurance
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Monday, July 28, 2025
More Than 40 Large Wildfires Burn Across U.S. Amid Ongoing Dry, Windy Conditions
As the National Interagency Fire Center reported that much of the western United States is experiencing extreme fire danger, with low humidity, high temperatures, and dry lightning storms contributing to growing threats across the region, over 12,000 firefighters are battling more than 40 large wildfires in 12 states.
More Than 40 Large Wildfires Burn Across U.S. Amid Ongoing Dry, Windy Conditions
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Friday, July 25, 2025
Firefighter injured on Butler Fire remains hospitalized following ‘neurosurgical procedures’
An El Cariso Hotshot injured during a tree strike incident on the Butler Fire, who was left with “with severe injuries, including a broken tibia and fibula, and a life changing traumatic spinal injury,” remains hospitalized at the Mercy Medical Center in Redding, California.
Firefighter injured on Butler Fire remains hospitalized following ‘neurosurgical procedures’
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Thursday, July 24, 2025
New Mexico Rep. pushes federal bill to prevent power line wildfires
The Weather-Safe Energy Act, which was introduced into the House of Representatives last week, would create a weather data platform to help power utilities prepare for dangerous wind and wildfire conditions in an effort to reduce power line-sparked wildfires across the U.S.
New Mexico Rep. pushes federal bill to prevent power line wildfires
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Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Suspect in Idaho firefighter ambush wrote a letter and drew pictures before attack
In a press conference on Tuesday, the Kootenai County Sheriff shared new details on the investigation into the deadly shooting that took the lives of two firefighters and severely injured a third on Idaho's Canfield Mountain last month.
Suspect in Idaho firefighter ambush wrote a letter and drew pictures before attack
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Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Is America’s wildfire force running on empty? Forest Service under fire from within
More than a dozen current and former employees of the U.S. Forest Service reported that the agency is facing persistent staffing shortages after more than 5,000 USFS staff left their posts over the past five months, even as the number of wildfires across the U.S. reaches its highest point in a decade.
Is America’s wildfire force running on empty? Forest Service under fire from within
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Monday, July 21, 2025
CAL FIRE Announces Construction Project at Ramona Air Attack Base in Preparation for a New C-130 Air Tanker
CAL FIRE San Diego Unit sent along an announcement about a significant construction project at its Ramona Air Attack Base, tentatively set to begin August 1st, which will prepare the base to accommodate one of CAL FIRE's new C-130H air-tankers.
CAL FIRE Announces Construction Project at Ramona Air Attack Base in Preparation for a New C-130 Air Tanker
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Friday, July 18, 2025
Wildfire Threat Growing In The Northwest
With about a dozen wildfires currently burning across Washington, Oregon and Idaho, a USDA meteorologist warned that the Northwest could see wildfire activity increase from the northern Great Basin northward through the Snake River Plain and into areas east of the Cascades towards the end of July.
Wildfire Threat Growing In The Northwest
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Thursday, July 17, 2025
Idaho Rep. Fulcher honors ambushed CDA firefighters on House floor
Idaho U.S. Representative Russ Fulcher took time on the House of Representatives floor in Washington, DC, to honor the three firefighters who were ambushed while responding to a wildfire near Coeur d'Alene last month.
Idaho Rep. Fulcher honors ambushed CDA firefighters on House floor
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Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Multiple Denver agencies welcome Idaho firefighter injured after deadly ambush
Multiple agencies from the Denver Metro area showed their support for a firefighter and engineer who was injured in a deadly ambush on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on June 29th which left two firefighters dead.
Multiple Denver agencies welcome Idaho firefighter injured after deadly ambush
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Tuesday, July 15, 2025
North Idaho pizza shops raise more than $30,000 in one day for fallen firefighters
In continuing efforts to support the families of three firefighters shot in an ambush while responding to a wildfire call on Canfield Mountain on June 29th, Cascadia Pizza Co. locations in Coeur d'Alene and Rathdrum, Idaho, donated 100% of their sales from July 10th, totaling $30,050.41, to those families.
North Idaho pizza shops raise more than $30,000 in one day for fallen firefighters
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Monday, July 14, 2025
Dry conditions fueling dozens of wildfires across western U.S.
CBS News provided an overview of 80 wildfires which are burning across nearly a dozen western states, where high temperatures and dry conditions are fueling the wildland blazes, including Arizona's White Sage Fire, which has burned 40,000 acres just north of the Dragon Bravo Fire, that destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim.
Dry conditions fueling dozens of wildfires across western U.S.
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Friday, July 11, 2025
‘Everybody wants to help’: Firefighters from across Idaho fill in for Coeur d’Alene firefighters during funerals
More than 800 firefighters from around the U.S. have signed up to attend the funerals of two battalion chiefs who were killed in the ambush on Canfield Mountain, while over 70 firefighters from 16 fire departments across Idaho will take over shifts so that Coeur d’Alene firefighters can attend the ceremonies.
‘Everybody wants to help’: Firefighters from across Idaho fill in for Coeur d’Alene firefighters during funerals
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Thursday, July 10, 2025
Non-Profit to Pay Off Mortgages for Two Fallen Firefighters Killed in Idaho Ambush
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has announced it will pay off the mortgages on the homes of two firefighters who were killed in an ambush while battling a the fire in North Idaho last month through its Fallen First Responder Home Program.
Non-Profit to Pay Off Mortgages for Two Fallen Firefighters Killed in Idaho Ambush
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Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Community invited to line procession route for fallen Coeur d'Alene firefighters
Kootenai County Fire and Rescue is inviting the community to celebrate the lives of two firefighters lost during an ambush on Idaho's Canfield Mountain by lining the funeral procession route on Thursday and Friday around 10 AM.
Community invited to line procession route for fallen Coeur d'Alene firefighters
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Tuesday, July 8, 2025
U.S. VLAT/LAT Fleet & Airport Activity Report (June 2025)
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Lance Sherry, Director of the Center for Air Transportation Systems Research at George Mason University, sent along a report on U.S. air-tankers, which noted that 42 VLATS, LATS, and Scoopers conducted a total of 1590 flights in June (up from 742 in May), with the average flight duration for retardant drops at 52 minutes, putting more than half of these tankers over the wildfire within 30 minutes.
U.S. VLAT/LAT Fleet & Airport Activity Report (June 2025)
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Monday, July 7, 2025
"Operation Sky Hammer" comes to Jeffco Airtanker Base in Broomfield
Starting in July, a team of two S-64 helicopters, funded by the USFS will be forward-deployed to Jeffco Airtanker Base in Broomfield, Colorado, to create a powerful new firefighting team under the aegis of “Operation Sky Hammer” to better deal with wildfires across the Rocky Mountain Region.
"Operation Sky Hammer" comes to Jeffco Airtanker Base in Broomfield
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Thursday, July 3, 2025
Red & Blue Foundation
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Leda Kobziar, a Professor of Wildland Fire Science at the University of Idaho, sent along the following in regards to the tragic ambush/shooting of three wildland firefighters on Canfield Mountain last Sunday: "The Red and Blue Foundation is spearheading the coordinated support efforts for those affected by the horrific events on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on 6/29. The Foundation is working directly with Coeur d'Alene Fire Department (CdA Fire), Kootenai County Fire and Rescue (KCFR), the injured firefighter, and the families of those we tragically lost. It has established several dedicated donation funds to provide comprehensive support: Fallen CdA Fire Battalion Chief Morrison Family Donations; Fallen KCFR Battalion Chief Harwood Family Donations; Injured CdA Firefighter Tysdal Donations; and the Canfield Incident Fund – This fund will be distributed equally among all three families."
Red & Blue Foundation
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Wednesday, July 2, 2025
National Wildland Firefighter Day | July 2
Today marks National Wildland Firefighter Day, which honors the dedicated personnel who coordinate their efforts to protect the nation's wildlands, as well as a day to remember the sacrifice made each time a firefighter steps into a wildland fire.
National Wildland Firefighter Day | July 2
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Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Air Attack Issue #40
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Ned Dawson, Publisher of Air Attack Magazine, sent along issue #40, noting that anyone who wants to receive future issues of Air Attack Magazine directly can sign up on the VIP list.
Air Attack Issue #40
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Monday, June 30, 2025
Is the West doomed to burn? More like destined, wildfire experts say
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Casey Teske, the Wildland Fire Science and Ecology Program Lead for the National Park Service’s Wildland Fire Program, was among the experts who discussed the wildfire legacy the West faces and what shape the future of wildfires across the region may take.
Is the West doomed to burn? More like destined, wildfire experts say
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Friday, June 27, 2025
National Wildland Firefighter Day!
Bureau of Land Management officials announced that July 2, 2025 will mark the fourth annual National Wildland Firefighter Day, offering an opportunity to honor wildland firefighters and fire support personnel, whose contributions to public safety and the safeguarding of natural resources are often unseen by the public.
National Wildland Firefighter Day!
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Thursday, June 26, 2025
Wildland firefighting is dangerous, but no single activity is more dangerous than another, report finds
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Hunter Bassler, a Journalist at Wildfire Today, discussed an analysis recently published in the International Journal of Wildland Fire, which provided an in-depth assessment of wildland firefighter injuries, showing how “inherently dangerous” the profession is.
Wildland firefighting is dangerous, but no single activity is more dangerous than another, report finds
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Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Opinion: This is how we manage forests better
In an Op-Ed piece, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture laid out her arguments for how to better manage forests through the rescission of the 2001 Roadless Rule, which was established with the stated goal of protecting remote forest areas from development.
Opinion: This is how we manage forests better
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Tuesday, June 24, 2025
‘Above-normal fire potential’: SDG&E prepares for peak wildfire season
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Brian D’Agostino, Meteorologist and Vice President of Wildfire and Climate Science at San Diego Gas & Electric, warned that, with only about 50% of the normal rainfall, and temperatures expected to increase as San Diego heads into the summer, it's apt to be a very busy wildfire season.
‘Above-normal fire potential’: SDG&E prepares for peak wildfire season
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Monday, June 23, 2025
Secretary of Agriculture Rollins on Saturday’s National Wildland Fire Preparedness Level Increase Says, “Peak Fire Season Is Here, And President Trump Has Created The Most Prepared And Coordinated Wildland Firefighting Force In The World”
The Secretary of Agriculture announced on Saturday that the National Multi-Agency Coordination Group, composed of wildland fire representatives from each agency based at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, raised the national wildland fire preparedness level to Preparedness Level 3.
Secretary of Agriculture Rollins on Saturday’s National Wildland Fire Preparedness Level Increase Says, “Peak Fire Season Is Here, And President Trump Has Created The Most Prepared And Coordinated Wildland Firefighting Force In The World”
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Friday, June 20, 2025
Governor Gianforte Tours Missoula’s Firefighting Innovation Center
Montana's Governor visited Missoula on Wednesday and made a special stop at the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Equipment Development & Communications Center to learn how the agency is saving taxpayer funds by strategically redesigning and refitting firefighting vehicles.
Governor Gianforte Tours Missoula’s Firefighting Innovation Center
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Thursday, June 19, 2025
Globalstar and Technosylva Support Global Wildfire Response and Firefighter Safety With Satellite-Powered Digital Solutions
Globalstar, a leading telecommunications infrastructure provider, is furthering its global partnership with Technosylva to support firefighting efforts worldwide by deploying Technosylva's advanced fire behavior modeling and incident management platforms, now further integrated with Globalstar’s SPOT satellite devices for enhanced field operations.
Globalstar and Technosylva Support Global Wildfire Response and Firefighter Safety With Satellite-Powered Digital Solutions
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Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Unified Support for Federal Wildland Fire Agencies and the Wildland Fire Management System for the 2025 Fire Year
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Katie Lighthall, Communication Director for the Wildland Fire Leadership Council, sent along a letter the organization sent to the Secretaries of the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture with the following comments: "The Non Federal Members of the Wildland Fire Leadership Council (WFLC) recently delivered a Letter of Unified Support to the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior conveying their support for the federal wildland fire agencies and the wildland fire management system for the 2025 Fire Year. The letter also expresses their gratitude to the federal fire leadership as well as the non-federal commitment to sharing stewardship across the wildfire response and resilience system."
Unified Support for Federal Wildland Fire Agencies and the Wildland Fire Management System for the 2025 Fire Year
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Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Interior, USDA Forest Service Expand Mental Health Support for Federal Wildland Firefighters and Dispatchers
The U.S. Department of the Interior sent along an announcement that federal wildland firefighters and dispatchers now have access to expanded mental health support through a network of licensed providers.
Interior, USDA Forest Service Expand Mental Health Support for Federal Wildland Firefighters and Dispatchers
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Monday, June 16, 2025
What Trump’s 2025 wildfire executive order means for firefighters, states and federal agencies
Following President Trump's executive order to overhaul the United States’ wildfire prevention and response strategy through governance reform, state collaboration, technology integration and deregulation, critics and supporters weighed in on the potential consequences.
What Trump’s 2025 wildfire executive order means for firefighters, states and federal agencies
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Friday, June 13, 2025
Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention And Response
President Trump unveiled his vision for the future of wildland firefighting in the U.S. with the issuance of a new Executive Order, which identifies a variety of tasks to be completed over the coming days by a number of government agencies to better prepare for wildfires.
Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention And Response
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Thursday, June 12, 2025
Canadian wildfire smoke lingers across Plains, East with millions experiencing air quality issues
Wildfire smoke from blazes burning in multiple provinces across Western Canada is sparking air quality alerts for nearly 60 million Americans in Minnesota and Wisconsin and even into the Northeast, including New York City.
Canadian wildfire smoke lingers across Plains, East with millions experiencing air quality issues
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Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Injured wildland firefighter making strides in recovery
U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighter Justin Shaw continues a determined recovery following a life-threatening injury he sustained when he was struck by a tree while battling a wildfire last summer on Idaho's Salmon River Ranger District.
Injured wildland firefighter making strides in recovery
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Tuesday, June 10, 2025
US Forest Service chief asks wildfire employees who took voluntary resignation to ‘come back’
Just months after the Trump Administration gave federal employees the option to voluntarily resign, the U.S. Forest Service Chief is asking those who resigned to return to work for the wildfire season, in the wake of protests from around the country that the mass layoffs and voluntary resignations of federal employees could impact the Forest Service’s ability to fight wildfires.
US Forest Service chief asks wildfire employees who took voluntary resignation to ‘come back’
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Monday, June 9, 2025
NASA’s ACERO Act Bolsters Drone Technology to Revolutionize Wildfire Response
The U.S. House of Representatives' Science, Space and Technology Committee is reviewing the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) Act, which funds NASA's efforts to develop cutting-edge drone technology for safer, more effective firefighting.
NASA’s ACERO Act Bolsters Drone Technology to Revolutionize Wildfire Response
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Friday, June 6, 2025
The woman who fought giant wildfires and became a hotshot
A veteran female Hotshot recounted what it was like to work probably the toughest job in firefighting, noting that the hallmarks are "black gunk in every crevice, chaffed armpits, and numb hands from vigorously swinging an ax into the soil, scraping away its flammable inhabitants."
The woman who fought giant wildfires and became a hotshot
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Thursday, June 5, 2025
Go inside the cockpit of an air tanker, a critical tool in battling wildfires
A lead plane pilot with the Bureau of Land Management shared video footage showcasing the challenges faced by aerial firefighting pilots, offering a rare glimpse into the demanding and often dangerous work of leading a heavy air-tanker or VLAT into a fire.
Go inside the cockpit of an air tanker, a critical tool in battling wildfires
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Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Opinion: Protect the firefighters who protect our homes and forests
The vice president of Grassroots Wildland Firefighters discussed the impact the Trump administration's layoff of most of the staff working on the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer has had on this important program.
Opinion: Protect the firefighters who protect our homes and forests
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Tuesday, June 3, 2025
As Wildfire Trends Change, So Should the Use of Technology Meant to Detect Them
The Government Accountability Office tackled the subject of how emerging technology could be harnessed to better deal with worsening wildfires which no longer have an official "season," but can erupt at any time of the year.
As Wildfire Trends Change, So Should the Use of Technology Meant to Detect Them
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Monday, June 2, 2025
Thousands evacuated in 3 provinces as Canadian wildfires threaten air quality into some US states
The Associated Press reported that more than 25,000 residents in three provinces across Western Canada have been evacuated as dozens of wildfires remained active Sunday and diminished air quality in parts of Canada and the U.S.
Thousands evacuated in 3 provinces as Canadian wildfires threaten air quality into some US states
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Friday, May 30, 2025
Dense smoke from Canadian wildfires is blowing into U.S.
It's déjà vu all over again, as wildfires raging in Canada flood the U.S. with wildfire smoke, creating a milky haze over Midwestern skies today as smoke reduces air quality from Minnesota to Michigan and southward to Illinois and Indiana.
Dense smoke from Canadian wildfires is blowing into U.S.
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Thursday, May 29, 2025
Cracks in the fireline: Report exposes gaps in U.S. wildfire response
A new white paper from the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment's Climate and Energy Policy Program reveals that a lack of available data on the wildland firefighting workforce, which is made up of federal, Tribal, state, local, and private firefighters, has hindered agency capacity to respond to wildfires and care for those on the front lines.
Cracks in the fireline: Report exposes gaps in U.S. wildfire response
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Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Feds Consider Giving Inmate Firefighters Pipeline to Employment
The Fairness, Inclusion, Rehabilitation, and Expungement for Incarcerated Firefighters (FAIR) Act, which would help fund job training, workplace and mentoring opportunities to ensure long-term employment for former inmate firefighters, has been introduced into Congress.
Feds Consider Giving Inmate Firefighters Pipeline to Employment
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Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Wildfire letter of intent 2025
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Tom Schultz, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, issued a letter of intent for the Forest Service in 2025, stating that reducing the risk of wildfire is a key component of the agency's wildfire strategies.
Wildfire letter of intent 2025
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Friday, May 23, 2025
Wildfires through the eyes of the toughest firefighters
The author of "Wildfire Days: A woman, a hotshot crew and the burning American West," joined an incident commander from the British Columbia Wildfire Service and a fire behavior specialist and visiting fellow at University of New South Wales Canberra to discuss wildfires.
Wildfires through the eyes of the toughest firefighters
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Thursday, May 22, 2025
Idaho firefighter injured in wildfire this past August out of hospital, deemed medically stable
The 26-year-old wildland firefighter who spent 230 days in the hospital after suffering a traumatic brain injury when a burning tree fell on him while fighting a wildfire last summer, is making significant strides in his recovery.
Idaho firefighter injured in wildfire this past August out of hospital, deemed medically stable
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Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Trump plans to merge wildland firefighting efforts into one agency, but ex-officials warn of chaos
The Trump administration’s efforts to merge the government’s wildland firefighting forces into a single agency has some former federal officials warning that it could increase the risk of catastrophic blazes and ultimately cost billions of dollars.
Trump plans to merge wildland firefighting efforts into one agency, but ex-officials warn of chaos
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Tuesday, May 20, 2025
BLM Recognizes National Wildfire Awareness Month (Part 3 of 3)
In the third installment of a three-part Wildfire Awareness Month podcast series, Bureau of Land Management officials discussed wildfire prevention education, the prevalence of human-caused wildfires, and the importance of public responsibility, such as preparing properly before recreating on public lands, checking fire danger levels, and reporting wildfires immediately.
BLM Recognizes National Wildfire Awareness Month (Part 3 of 3)
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Monday, May 19, 2025
Can we learn to live with wildfires?
The Environment Director of the European Academies Science Advisory Council warned that many parts of Europe are facing a large increase in multi-year droughts, leading to an increased probability of extreme wildfires.
Can we learn to live with wildfires?
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Friday, May 16, 2025
Wildfires 2025 review: ASEAN reduces emissions, but haze persists
Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service reported on wildfire activity worldwide in the first four months of 2025, including deadly wildfires in Southern California in January, as well as in South Korea in March, and a record in burned areas for northwestern Europe during April.
Wildfires 2025 review: ASEAN reduces emissions, but haze persists
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Thursday, May 15, 2025
House passes bill to help mitigate forest fires
The House of Representatives has passed the bipartisan Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act as part of an amendment to the Fix Our Forests Act, which allows the U.S. Forest Service to approve the removal of hazardous trees near power lines on federal forest lands without requiring a timber sale.
House passes bill to help mitigate forest fires
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Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Southwest Drought and Wildfire Summer Outlook Webinar
Drought.gov extended an invitation to a webinar to be held from 1-2 PM MT on June 3rd, which will examine current drought projections across the Southwest, where 65% of the region, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah, are affected, elevating the wildfire danger this summer.
Southwest Drought and Wildfire Summer Outlook Webinar
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Tuesday, May 13, 2025
9 million people under red flag warnings as fire danger envelops upper Midwest
Red Flag conditions brought on by record-high temperatures, wind gusts of up to 45 mph, low relative humidity and dry conditions are elevating the risk of wildfires for at least 9 million people in the nation's upper Midwest states of Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana and nearly the entire state of Minnesota.
9 million people under red flag warnings as fire danger envelops upper Midwest
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Monday, May 12, 2025
Family of a helicopter pilot killed in a California wildfire reaches a $15 million settlement
The family of a helicopter pilot who died when his UH-1H helicopter crashed in 2020 while fighting the Hills Fire burning 10 miles south of the small Central Valley town of Coalinga, California reached a $15 million settlement with the company that maintained the aircraft.
Family of a helicopter pilot killed in a California wildfire reaches a $15 million settlement
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Friday, May 9, 2025
LADWP says it never ran out of water in Pacific Palisades during fire, so why did hydrants run dry?
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power officials reported that, although their system had not run out of water during the January wildfire in Pacific Palisades, when firefighters complained that hydrants had gone dry, the system was not designed to put out fires in multiple neighborhoods simultaneously and was simply overwhelmed by four times the demand it was designed to provide.
LADWP says it never ran out of water in Pacific Palisades during fire, so why did hydrants run dry?
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Thursday, May 8, 2025
OroraTech partner with SkyFi to expand US access to space-based wildfire detection
Munich, Germany-based OroraTech, which specializes in real-time wildfire detection using nanosatellites equipped with thermal infrared cameras, is partnering with SkyFi, which is working with LA on post-wildfire imagery needs, to simplify how users interact with thermal fire monitoring data, enabling fast wildfire alerts and giving emergency responders a critical head start.
OroraTech partner with SkyFi to expand US access to space-based wildfire detection
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Wednesday, May 7, 2025
GOP pushes coordinated response ahead of wildfire season
A letter signed by 17 House and Senate Republicans, mostly from Western states, tells President Trump that “while some improvements to our federal wildfire response will require congressional action, we believe executive action offers the most immediate path to fostering interagency cohesion, streamlining outdated processes, and ensuring a robust response to wildfires.”
GOP pushes coordinated response ahead of wildfire season
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Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Trump’s 2026 budget proposes consolidating federal wildfire roles into single agency
The Trump administration has released its proposed 2026 budget, which includes a proposal to restructure federal wildland firefighting responsibilities by consolidating wildland fire management functions, which are currently divided between five agencies across the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture, into a new Federal Wildland Fire Service housed within the DOI.
Trump’s 2026 budget proposes consolidating federal wildfire roles into single agency
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Monday, May 5, 2025
California intensifies wildfire prevention efforts as fire season begins
CAL FIRE San Diego County Unit officials discussed CAL FIRE's statewide campaign on the importance of preparing for wildfires year-round titled "Building a Fire-Ready Future: Strengthening Our Defenses, Together."
California intensifies wildfire prevention efforts as fire season begins
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Friday, May 2, 2025
Forests taking longer to recover from severe ‘megafires’ since 2010
A new study published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution finds a “significant increase” in the severity of forest fires globally from 2001 to 2021, especially in western North America, parts of Siberia and south-eastern Australia, and that forests around the world are taking longer to recover from severe wildfires, potentially indicating forest decline.
Forests taking longer to recover from severe ‘megafires’ since 2010
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Thursday, May 1, 2025
CAL FIRE Partners with TracPlus to Launch CATIS, a Next-Generation Platform for Wildfire Response
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Ani Radountcheva, Head of Marketing at TracPlus, sent along a press release about the launch of the CAL FIRE Aviation Tracking and Information System (CATIS), a next-generation aviation management platform designed to support the agency’s expanding operations and evolving mission needs, as well as a dramatic photo of CAL FIRE's C-130 Tanker 122 in action, snapped by Ryan Grothe.
CAL FIRE Partners with TracPlus to Launch CATIS, a Next-Generation Platform for Wildfire Response
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Wednesday, April 30, 2025
NIOSH firefighter programs to be temporarily restored following ‘misinterpreted executive order’
The Trump Administration has issued a temporary reprieve to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers who were summarily dismissed, causing an outcry from the firefighting community, though the reprieve may be temporary, lasting only through June 2nd.
NIOSH firefighter programs to be temporarily restored following ‘misinterpreted executive order’
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Tuesday, April 29, 2025
How to protect structural firefighters responding to WUI fires
Based on a review of 13 previous investigation reports from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program that involved WUI fires, our first article today looks at three actions fire departments can consider to reduce the risk to structural firefighters who respond to WUI fires.
How to protect structural firefighters responding to WUI fires
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Monday, April 28, 2025
NVFC addresses fire program cuts at NIOSH affecting firefighter safety
National Volunteer Fire Council officials discussed the impact the Department of Health and Human Services' consolidation plan would have on several important programs, eliminating two-thirds of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s workforce.
NVFC addresses fire program cuts at NIOSH affecting firefighter safety
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Friday, April 25, 2025
Firefighter safety research under fire
The Trump administration’s efforts to shrink the federal government have slashed the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which has performed research to mitigate the health threats that firefighters face daily.
Firefighter safety research under fire
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Thursday, April 24, 2025
How NASA is helping first responders combat wildfires
NBC's Today Show hitched a ride with NASA researchers who showcased their FireSense mission, which is leading to groundbreaking research that could help first responders better deal with wildfires.
How NASA is helping first responders combat wildfires
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Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Aerial Fire Fighting Operational Statistics (2024): Very Large/Large Air Tankers
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Lance Sherry, Director of the Center for Air Transportation Systems Research at George Mason University, sent along a peer-reviewed article he wrote with the following comments: "The purpose of this report is to provide statistics on the U.S. aerial firefighting fleet, flight operations, and airport utilization and equipment in 2024. This information, which is not readily available, may be of use to airport planners, air navigation service providers, and policy makers."
Aerial Fire Fighting Operational Statistics (2024): Very Large/Large Air Tankers
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Tuesday, April 22, 2025
National Guard helicopters will be pivotal this wildfire season. But first, crews must train for water drops
Colorado Public Radio provided an overview of the 2025 Colorado Fire and Aviation Summit, in which the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, the Colorado National Guard and crews from Boulder Fire-Rescue, the City of Longmont, the Longmont Fire Department, the USDA Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management trained together to prepare for wildfire season.
National Guard helicopters will be pivotal this wildfire season. But first, crews must train for water drops
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Monday, April 21, 2025
Living Legends Awards To Honor Fire Crews, Space Team
Wildfire NOTD subscriber Tom Lasser, a retired Lt Colonel and CH-47 pilot in the California National Guard, sent along an announcement that the Living Legends of Aviation Awards will honor aerial firefighters who battled Los Angeles wildfires in January at an April 25th event to be held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Living Legends Awards To Honor Fire Crews, Space Team
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Friday, April 18, 2025
Draft executive order signals major changes for US wildland firefighting operations
A draft executive order from the Trump administration is poised to significantly reshape the way wildland firefighting is conducted in the United States, implementing changes that will directly affect operators and other Vertical Aviation International members who conduct and support aerial firefighting operations.
Draft executive order signals major changes for US wildland firefighting operations
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Thursday, April 17, 2025
Wildfire risk threatens millions in Southwest
Millions in the Southwest have been warned that they are under threat from wildfires through the end of the week due to warmer temperatures, high winds and low relative humidity, according to the National Weather Service.
Wildfire risk threatens millions in Southwest
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Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Three burn parameters can make prescribed forest fires burn safer and cleaner
In a new study published in the journal Atmospheric Pollution Research, scientists at Stanford University suggested ways to perform prescribed burns which drastically reduce the health impact from the smoke.
Three burn parameters can make prescribed forest fires burn safer and cleaner
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Tuesday, April 15, 2025
IAFC President says U.S. wildfire threat is now nationwide
Speaking at the Wildland-Urban Interface 2025 Conference, the President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs warned that wildfire threats are now affecting more regions across the U.S. and require a national response.
IAFC President says U.S. wildfire threat is now nationwide
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Monday, April 14, 2025
Finding calm in the off-season
The first woman recruited by the New Mexico-based Smokey Bear Hotshots for its elite wildland firefighting crew discussed how best to 'pivot and redirect,' in healing from traumatic stress and grief, especially after fire season.
Finding calm in the off-season
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Friday, April 11, 2025
Curtis joins bipartisan bill to reduce wildfire risks in the West after years of devastating blazes
The Fix Our Forests Act was introduced Thursday by U.S. Senators John Curtis, R-Utah, John Hickenlooper, D-Colorado, Tim Sheehy R-Montana, and Alex Padilla D-California, with the aim to "combat catastrophic wildfires, restore forest ecosystems, and make federal forest management more efficient and responsive."
Curtis joins bipartisan bill to reduce wildfire risks in the West after years of devastating blazes
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Thursday, April 10, 2025
Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act passes Senate, awaits House decision
The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025, which aims to expand the availability of aircraft and equipment for wildfire response operations across the U.S. by updating the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996, has passed the U.S. Senate.
Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act passes Senate, awaits House decision
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Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Use NASA Earth Observations and Tools for Operational Wildfire Monitoring and Management
A training session offered April 16-30 by NASA's Applied Remote Sensing Training (ARSET) program will explore the powerful NASA data and tool users can quickly employ to identify the location, extent, and intensity of wildland fire activity, as well as its effects.
Use NASA Earth Observations and Tools for Operational Wildfire Monitoring and Management
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Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Esri Adds California Live Camera Feeds to ArcGIS for Better Awareness of Wildfires and Other Disasters
Redlands, California-based Esri and the University of California San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia program have launched a new ready-to-use map layer that provides instant access to live camera feeds across the Golden State.
Esri Adds California Live Camera Feeds to ArcGIS for Better Awareness of Wildfires and Other Disasters
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Monday, April 7, 2025
Exposure to wildfire smoke linked with worsening mental health conditions
A new study published in JAMA Network Open by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health revealed that wildfire smoke may play a direct role in worsening mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Exposure to wildfire smoke linked with worsening mental health conditions
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Friday, April 4, 2025
Preparing for Wildfires: Embracing Community Partnerships and Technology to Save Lives
The former fire chief and fire coordinator for the Weatherford College Fire Academy in Weatherford, Texas, who collaborated with Underwriters Laboratories and NIST on studies that advanced firefighting tactics, safety protocols and building code developments, discussed how community partnerships and technology can better deal with worsening wildfires.
Preparing for Wildfires: Embracing Community Partnerships and Technology to Save Lives
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