U.S. Wildland Fire Service @USWFS

Our fallen firefighters are never forgotten. On October 17, 2022, Bureau of Land Management Idaho Falls District fire employee, Spence Cowley, passed away while working on a fuels project. The wildland fire community continues to mourn the loss of a phenomenal firefighter. He is remembered for his strong work ethic, determination, grit, and his selflessness.

Yesterday, firefighters from the Coastal Mountain Unit of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service responded to the #BrysonFire within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area by supporting their partners from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Their quick ability to respond with multiple engines and construct direct handline on the fire bolstered the work by firefighting aircraft. Those same firefighters remain engaged with the full suppression of this wildfire. This seamless integration by multiple agencies within the first 24-hours of this incident has so far kept the wildfire from crossing a primary road and onto National Park Service land. We are proud of the rapid and coordinated response to protect public lands and prevent further destruction. For more information on the Bryson Fire visit fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026….

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Alaska’s Type 2 North Star Crew, based in Fairbanks, is an entry-level wildland fire hand crew that provides a pathway for firefighters interested in becoming hotshots, smokejumpers or other fire specialists. While classified as a Type 2 hand crew, North Star is trained and equipped to Interagency Hotshot Crew standards, giving crew members a strong foundation for advancing their careers in wildland fire. With a relatively calm fire season in Alaska and a busy season in the Lower 48, North Star stepped up to support wildfire operations in Washington. Their experience on multiple fires in Alaska, combined with their time working in the Lower 48, provided valuable hands-on experience while supporting the broader wildland fire mission. Learn more about the program: akfireinfo.com/2026/02/12/rec…

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Fall conditions can provide an important window for prescribed burning. Where conditions allow, our crews are putting fire to work across the country, reducing fuels now to help moderate fire behavior when wildfire returns to the landscape. It’s proactive work that can help protect communities, give firefighters more options and keep landscapes healthy and resilient.

Do you work in wildland fire? As fire activity winds down, take some time to reflect on individuals who stand out to you. Do you know someone that models leadership values which foster a culture of learning, strengthen teams and promote innovation? Nominations are open for the 2026 Paul Gleason: Lead By Example Award through December 31, 2026. Learn More: nwcg.gov/wfldp/lbe 📌Tips for Submissions: Check the bottom of the nwcg.gov/wfldp/lbe page to find "Tips for Successful Nominations" 💻Submit Your Nomination: forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/Response…

When the S-1 Vya Fire began rapidly growing in high winds and dry fuels, fire managers determined a Complex Incident Management Team was needed, fast. But with the nation at Preparedness Level 5, CIMTs were in short supply. Rather than wait for a new team to become available, USWFS fire managers identified an opportunity: CA Team 2 was already nearby on the MP 18 Fire and had the depth to release personnel while continuing to manage its existing incident. The team quickly reassigned personnel to the S-1 Vya Fire, with an advance group integrating into operations the same day. CA Team 2 assumed full command about 24 hours sooner than standard mobilization would have allowed. That’s smart resource sharing in action.

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Fire Prevention Week may be wrapping up, but our commitment to wildfire prevention continues all year long! 🔥🌲 Every visit to public lands is a chance to make a difference. Before you head out, remember to: ✔️ Check local fire restrictions ✔️ Ensure campfires are fully out and cold to the touch ✔️ Watch for anything that could spark a fire A few extra moments of caution can help safeguard our landscapes, wildlife, and communities. Let’s work together to keep our public lands safe and beautiful for everyone to enjoy! 😊 Know before you go. Prevent wildfires. Protect public lands. 📸: Caleb Ashby, DOI @USWFS

Join our Fleet and Equipment Management Division! We’re hiring for two Branch Chief positions in Boise, Idaho, at the National Interagency Fire Center. Branch Chief, National Fire Fleet Management: Lead efforts to plan, support and replace critical wildland fire fleet resources. This role requires strong leadership, problem-solving and strategic planning skills. Branch Chief, Fire Equipment Development: Help shape the future of mobile fire equipment, ensuring firefighters have the tools they need to safely and effectively accomplish the mission. This role requires a strong vision for the future and an understanding of firefighter needs. Both positions are open through Oct. 21. Find the full details and apply: National Fire Fleet Management: usajobs.gov/job/887843600 Fire Equipment Development: usajobs.gov/job/887844000

We’re boosting wildfire response across rural Oregon by transferring multiple fire vehicles to local partners through the Rural Fire Readiness Program! Lake Chinook Fire & Rescue, Bakeoven-Shaniko Rangeland Fire Protection Association, and Vale RFPA each received a Type-6 fire engine, while South Gilliam County Rural Fire Protection District received a command truck. These engines arrived fully equipped with hoses, fittings, radios, and more. Type-6 engines are compact and agile, perfect for rugged terrain, while command trucks support rapid response, communication, and safety oversight. All equipment was provided at no cost through the USWFS Rural Fire Readiness Program, which supports local partners with training, tools, and vehicles to strengthen wildfire response across private, state, tribal, and federal lands. Learn more about the Rural Fire Readiness Program here: doi.gov/wildlandfirese…

Help lead the future of wildland fire management as a Unit Fire Chief with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. We’re hiring Unit Fire Chiefs across multiple geographic areas for experienced leaders ready to lead a unit and work alongside dedicated public servants. This position works closely with federal, state, tribal and local partners to deliver effective, coordinated fire management across shared landscapes. GW-13 | Multiple duty locations Apply by Oct. 22 Find qualifications needed and apply here: usajobs.gov/job/888130500

Lakeview Helitack in action. This season, Lakeview Helitack dropped 171,560 gallons of water, responded to 13 initial attack fires and supported large fire operations across seven Western states. They spent more than 80 days supporting operations outside their home district, heading wherever they were needed, moving firefighters and equipment, dropping water and suppressing fire in remote country. Helitack crews use helicopters to move firefighters and equipment, support fire suppression and reach fires where access can be challenging. Often, they’re among the first resources on scene, helping assess the fire and determine what’s needed next. And if you're curious, 171,560 gallons of water would fill roughly 4,200 bathtubs.

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One spark is all it takes! 🔥 During Fire Prevention Week, let’s unite to safeguard our public lands from human-caused wildfires. Before heading out, check local fire restrictions, use campfires responsibly, and always extinguish them completely. Dispose of cigarettes properly and never leave any fire unattended. 🌲 Even as we move into fall and temperatures begin to cool across many of our landscapes, wildfire risk remains. Every action counts, whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply enjoying the outdoors, your choices help protect landscapes, communities, and wildlife. Together, we can keep our public lands safe and resilient for generations to come! 💚 U.S. Wildland Fire Service 📸: Caleb Ashby, DOI

Putting fire to work. Fuels crews and firefighters with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes carried out a prescribed burn on the Bison Range, reducing wildfire risk while improving habitat and landscape health. Their work is helping restore open habitat and support long‑term ecosystem resilience.

Know before you fly! There have been 82 reported drone incursions in 2026. When a drone flies near a wildfire, firefighting aircraft may be forced to shut down operations, delaying suppression efforts and disrupting aviation support for firefighters on the ground.

In Montana, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are using prescribed fire on the Bison Range to open and improve buffalo habitat. By reducing encroaching Douglas fir and controlling invasive grasses, these burns are helping restore the historic grasslands that sustain the Bison Range's historic herd. Here's a look at the connection between wildfire, history, culture and wildlife.

Ready to take on your next career move as an Engine Captain in California? We’re hiring at Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park! Lead and mentor wildland firefighters while directing engine crew operations and adapting tactics to changing fire conditions. This position supports wildfire suppression, fuels management and prescribed fire projects, including building or patrolling fireline, engine operations, firing, mop-up and rehabilitation. The role also assists with training, resource management and the safe operation of specialized firefighting equipment. ⏰Apply by 10/08: usajobs.gov/job/880585100 Sequoia National Park – Type 3 engine Kings Canyon National Park – Type 6 engine

Today we honor firefighter, Daniel Holmes, who we lost on this day in 2004. On the morning of Saturday October 2, 2004, staff from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks began a prescribed burn in the Grant Grove area. During the seemingly common task of sizing up a burning snag and relocating a hose lay, Daniel Holmes, a member of the National Park Service Arrowhead Hotshots, was struck and killed by a burning top from a tree. Dan was 26 years old. During Dan’s too-short time as an Arrowhead Hotshot, he brought an infectious passion for life to the work and to the fire community. He is remembered for living life with joy and humor, to its fullest extent. Dan is never forgotten. Learn more about Dan: firehero.org/fallen-firefig…