A crucial deadline from an Executive Order by President Donald Trump to consolidate firefighting within the Department of Interior and the U.S. Forest Service is near, sparking hope for better coordination among advocacy groups. By September 10, the Interior and Forest Service, within the Department of Agriculture, must propose a plan for merging firefighting efforts. A subsequent deadline, December 9, mandates plans to boost state and local firefighting capabilities.
Partners in Wildfire Prevention, a coalition including clean energy groups and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, highlight insufficient national focus on wildfire issues. This order signifies acknowledgment, aiming to enhance fire response. “What we don’t know yet is exactly what the decisions are that come out of the order,” said spokesperson Chet Wade. “That’s why we think it’s important to draw attention to it. And what we hope to see is greater collaboration, stronger communication, better more effective operations.”
The directive emphasizes technology in firefighting, notably in early detection and aerial capacities using computer-assisted systems and reconnaissance. “There are lots of new technologies, you know, using satellites, using AI, using other sensors that allow for either monitoring and understanding when there is a higher risk and what can be done about it, or responding quickly,” Wade added.
Not all feedback is positive. Andy Stahl, director of Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics, commented it was an effort to rally Trump’s base. Uncertainty remains over changes to daily operations.
Erin McDuff, Interior Department spokesperson, stated, “At the direction of President Donald J. Trump, we are unifying federal wildfire programs to streamline bureaucracy and leverage new technologies and partnerships to better equip local responders, accelerate suppression efforts, and strengthen preventative measures—all essential to protecting communities and conserving our public lands.”
Montana’s fire season has been less severe, with the state’s fire tracking website reporting 1,942 wildfires but reduced acreage compared to last year. Governor Greg Gianforte credited “aggressive” firefighting for limiting this year’s burned acreage to about a third of 2024’s total.
The Windy Rock fire, 15 miles from Drummond, remains a significant challenge, covering 4,130 acres and only 1% contained. A public meeting is scheduled at 5 p.m. at the Helmville Community Center. Managed by a national team, the fire has not destroyed any structures but has incurred nearly $25 million in suppression costs, shared by state and federal governments.
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