IAFC launches task force in response to FEMA reform
Iain Hoey
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US FEMA strategy overhaul under presidential orders
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has confirmed that it has formed a task force to examine the Trump administration’s restructuring plans for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
This development follows the issuance of Executive Order 14180, which was signed on 24 January and establishes a 20-member Council to assess FEMA.
The council is chaired by the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security.
It is required to deliver its findings 180 days after its first public meeting.
The council held its first meeting on 20 May.
The IAFC also cited the 18 March signing of Executive Order 14239.
That order mandates a new National Resilience Strategy and calls for changes to key homeland security directives, including HSPD-5 and PPD-8.
These policy changes, according to the IAFC, could directly affect fire and emergency services.
IAFC outlines key concerns and review scope
The IAFC reported that Fire Chief Josh Waldo, its President and Board Chair, appointed a dedicated task force to provide formal recommendations to the federal government on the implications of its proposals for local emergency services.
Retired Chief Jim Schwartz, former fire chief of the Arlington County Fire Department and former chair of the IAFC Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee, was named as the task force lead.
The IAFC confirmed that Schwartz will oversee a 10-person team responsible for evaluating the potential impact on fire departments and emergency medical services.
The organisation explained that the task force will also engage directly with the newly formed FEMA Review Council and other federal officials to represent the views of fire and rescue services.
Transition from all-hazards to risk-based response
The IAFC noted that the Trump administration is proposing a shift away from an all-hazards response model toward a risk-based approach.
This change affects federal support structures such as FEMA’s Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) and homeland security preparedness policies.
The administration has committed to producing a National Critical Infrastructure Policy and National Risk Register within 240 days, according to the IAFC.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is also tasked with updating core preparedness policies and documents within the same timeframe.
The IAFC stated that the task force will evaluate how these policy changes could affect current fire service operations.
This includes considerations for grants, training at the National Fire Academy, and operational readiness for events such as hazardous materials incidents and wildfires.
Task force to provide ongoing updates
The IAFC said the task force will focus on several key questions.
These include how FEMA can better serve local fire departments and what parts of the existing homeland security framework should be retained or revised.
It will also consider what steps local agencies should take in response to federal changes.
The IAFC stated that the review process will include analysis of how potential policy shifts could alter training, funding, and federal coordination practices.
The organisation confirmed that the task force will continue to monitor developments.
It will report regularly to IAFC members about the progress of discussions in Washington.
IAFC launches task force in response to FEMA reform: Summary
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has launched a task force in response to proposed changes to FEMA.
The task force was created after President Trump signed Executive Orders 14180 and 14239 in January and March 2025.
Executive Order 14180 established a FEMA Review Council.
The council held its first public meeting on 20 May.
Executive Order 14239 instructs the creation of a National Resilience Strategy and a National Risk Register.
The IAFC task force is led by Chief Jim Schwartz (Ret.).
The task force includes 10 members.
The group will assess how the changes affect fire and EMS services.
The task force will provide recommendations to the federal government and the FEMA Review Council.
The IAFC said the review will cover FEMA operations, federal response policy, and local preparedness.
The Department of Homeland Security is required to revise emergency support and preparedness policies within 240 days.
The IAFC will provide regular updates to its members throughout the process.
