Is America’s wildfire force running on empty? Forest Service under fire from within

Firefighters report understaffing as wildfires escalate in the U.S.

More than a dozen current and former employees of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) told Reuters the agency is facing persistent staffing shortages, even as the number of wildfires across the United States reaches its highest point in a decade.

According to Reuters, over 5,000 USFS staff have left their posts in the last five months, creating gaps in fire teams and support operations.

The agency has denied the allegations, stating that its current resources are adequate for the 2025 fire season.

Isabella Isaksen, public affairs officer for USFS operations in central Oregon, said the agency is confident in its fire readiness and explained that food delays reported during the Alder Springs Fire were due to issues with a new caterer.

Reuters reported that firefighters in Oregon and New Mexico have described being pulled from fire lines to carry out administrative tasks, citing a lack of available support staff.

Former staff blame buyouts and workforce cuts

Reuters reported that many of the staffing issues trace back to buyouts that occurred during the Trump administration.

Although the administration had pledged not to eliminate firefighting jobs, early retirements and reassignments reportedly affected thousands of support personnel who would normally assist during fire season.

A crew leader from the Alder Springs Fire in Oregon, who requested anonymity, told Reuters her team lacked food and essential equipment after support staff took part in two separate buyout programmes.

USFS Chief Tom Schultz issued internal guidance urging managers to activate “red-carded” personnel for the 2025 fire season.

These individuals are certified to assist with fire response but were among the many who left under the buyout schemes.

Schultz stated during a Senate hearing that he is attempting to rehire approximately 1,400 of these qualified staff on a temporary basis.

USDA and Forest Service defend staffing approach

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told Western state governors in June that the agency aimed to hire 11,300 wildland firefighters by mid-July.

Reuters reported that as of 29 June, the Forest Service had hired 11,236 firefighters, reaching 99% of its target.

A USDA spokesperson said: “Any suggestion that firefighting responsibilities are being delayed or deprioritized is simply incorrect. This is not a secondary mission – it is the core of our public safety work, and every decision reflects that urgency.”

Steve Ellis, chair of the National Association of Forest Service Retirees, told Reuters he had not found any evidence of support problems during recent checks with fire staff in Oregon.

Isaksen also said supplies such as chainsaw fuel and medical kits were available at the Alder Springs Fire, despite claims to the contrary.

Ongoing strain on fire crews and support workers

Some firefighters and managers said they are still feeling the impact of the staffing shortfall.

Riva Duncan, a retired USFS fire chief now serving in New Mexico, said firefighters are being assigned to cover support tasks at ranger stations and campsites.

Duncan told Reuters: “They’re answering phones at the front desk, or cleaning toilets at campgrounds or mowing the lawn at administrative sites.”

A fire chief in the Pacific Northwest, who remained anonymous, said support staff had been directed to prioritise timber sales and energy production targets before helping fire crews.

He told Reuters: “They can claim we get all the support we need, but in reality, it isn’t even close.”

Reuters also reported that many of the former staff who usually joined fire operations during summer have not been replaced, creating further challenges during the active fire season.

Political response and criticism of Trump-era policy

New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich has blamed former President Donald Trump for gutting the Forest Service’s capacity to respond to wildfires.

In a statement to Reuters, Heinrich said: “Wildfire season is well underway, and thanks to DOGE and Donald Trump, the U.S. Forest Service is being gutted, leaving communities ill equipped to fight deadly wildfires.”

Reuters reported that approximately 3,400 probationary USFS staff were let go during the Trump administration, including many red-carded support workers.

The National Interagency Fire Center has predicted that fire conditions will be worse than average across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the northern Rockies in 2025.

According to federal data cited by Reuters, nearly 41,000 wildfires have been recorded so far this year, the highest number since at least 2015.

U.S. firefighters report staff shortages as wildfire numbers rise in 2025: Summary

More than 5,000 U.S. Forest Service employees have left their posts in the past five months.

Reuters reported that firefighters in Oregon and New Mexico are covering administrative duties due to staff gaps.

A crew leader in Oregon said her team experienced food and supply shortages during a 3,400-acre fire.

USFS public affairs officer Isabella Isaksen said supplies were available and food delays were due to a new catering provider.

USFS Chief Tom Schultz is trying to rehire 1,400 previously qualified staff who left under voluntary buyouts.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the agency had hired 99% of its target firefighter workforce by late June.

A USDA spokesperson said firefighting remains the agency’s core public safety mission.

Senator Martin Heinrich criticised former President Trump for the Forest Service’s workforce reductions.

Support staff reductions have impacted fire preparedness during a high-activity fire year.

The National Interagency Fire Center forecasts above-average wildfire risk in several western states.