Wildland Fire Service to unify Interior wildfire programmes across bureaus

Who will lead the Wildland Fire Service rollout?

The US Department of the Interior (DOI) is moving to establish the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, with a new leader appointed to oversee implementation, the department said on 12 January 2026 in Washington.

The DOI described the plan as an effort to unify wildland fire management programmes across its bureaus and offices.

Wildland fire responsibilities are currently distributed across the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Office of Aviation Services and the Office of Wildland Fire.

The DOI said the goal is to streamline decision-making, improve operational efficiency and strengthen the department’s ability to respond quickly to wildfire threats.

The department said the service is intended to support protection of lives, communities, critical infrastructure and public and tribal lands through a more integrated wildland fire management approach.

Leadership and implementation

The DOI selected Chief Brian Fennessy to oversee the creation of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, who brings experience leading large wildfire response operations in California.

Fennessy said: “Wildfire response depends on coordination, clarity and speed.

“This initial planning effort is about bringing programs together, strengthening cooperation across the Department and building a framework that better supports firefighters and the communities they serve.

“I want to thank Secretary Burgum for this opportunity to serve in this role and look forward to working alongside of the brave men and women of the fire community.”

The DOI said Fennessy previously served as Chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and as Fire Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority.

It said he began his career with the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, and has led wildfire suppression, aviation operations and emergency response.

Administration policy context

The DOI said the creation of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service aligns with the Trump Administration’s approach to modernising wildfire response, mitigation and prevention, as outlined in Executive Order 14308, Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said: “Wildfire does not discriminate.

“It impacts rural towns and major cities, businesses and families alike.

“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the Department of the Interior is taking decisive steps to strengthen coordination and preparedness as we confront an escalating wildfire challenge.”

The department also said wildfires are increasing in size, intensity and cost, with impacts it listed including communities, infrastructure, tribal trust assets, agriculture and local economies.

The DOI said it views wildfires as posing risks to public health, energy systems, water supplies and national security.

The department said the new structure is intended to position it to meet evolving wildfire challenges.