Wildfires are everyone’s concern—they threaten not just the forests in which they burn, but the lives, property and livelihoods of nearby communities. Many communities that live in the shadow of

What do you do when you can't entirely stop something bad from happening? You mitigate the damage it might cause. Natural disasters, like hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires, can never be completely

In early 2025, wildfires ravaged Southern California. Firefighters spent days battling flames that engulfed houses, businesses and landmarks while forcing thousands to flee. But even once the fires

On the outskirts of Denver lies an unassuming building that, in contrast to its humble exterior, is the beating heart of federal firefighting efforts in the Rocky Mountains. Walking through the doors

Here at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, wildfire prevention is a big priority. There’s no better ambassador of that essential message than everyone’s favorite wildfire prevention

When a tornado swept through the Sabine National Forest in March 2025, it left behind a trail of broken trees, downed limbs and hundreds of acres of damaged timber. But in just 28 days, the Forest

On the lower slopes of Jackass Ridge, smoke wafted through an oak woodland canopy, its gray haze contrasting with the green, yellow and red hues of the forest. A crackle of burning grass could be

The Mount Wilson Observatory and communications equipment at the summit of Mount Wilson were protected both by actions taken by firefighters during the Eaton Fire and treatments applied months before

It’s 8 a.m. Cory Carlson is onsite and ready to start his workday as a district fire management officer in the Chino Valley Ranger District on the Prescott National Forest in Prescott, Arizona. On

Year-end reflections. We all do them. What did we accomplish? What were the highlights? Did we exceed, meet or fall short of our goals? For many of us, the last question is all too common an

Join us and the Durand High School Madrigal Choir from Durand, Michigan, as we celebrate the holiday season with a reinterpretation of that Christmas classic, the 12 Days of Christmas! Sing along with

“Smokey, Smokey!” Tess McCarville and Alex Robertson revel hearing this chant for three hours as they slowly walk 2.5 miles, holding the ropes of a 16-foot long, 25-foot wide and 51-foot-tall Smokey

When Hurricane Helene hit the southeastern United States in late September 2024, its destruction spared neither national forests nor members of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service

Western forests are designed to burn. For the one-third of the U.S. population that lives in high wildfire risk areas, this means if we continue to deprive forests of fire it only makes the next fire

Fall is upon us, and many folks are beginning to make their plans to get out and see the beauty of one of nature’s most spectacular displays of colors! From the magnificent maples of New England to

USDA Forest Service is reducing wildfire risk and forging unusual, unique partnerships. The Gila National Forest and Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery work together to reduce wildfire risk across

We’re celebrating Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday, by honoring wildfire prevention heroes. Heroes like Lassie, Walt Disney Productions and the San Diego Padres, who have all been awarded for their

The Caribou-Targhee National Forest extends like a long finger down the Idaho-Wyoming state line with seven ranger districts scattered from the storied lawless zone the U.S. Constitution forgot near

Nature can be damaging and cause fear. Natural disasters like wildfires can change landscapes, communities and lives. But nature can also help us heal — instilling a calmness and peace in a sometimes

Federal wildland firefighters, fire support staff and contractors work on the frontlines of the nation’s wildfire crisis to protect life, property, and natural and cultural resources. That’s why we