HELENA — Federal agencies responsible for wildland firefighting have announced the fire management goals and responsibilities for the 2024 wildfire season.
These federal agencies include the Department of Interior and the Department of Agriculture, which oversees the US Forest Service.
The agencies aim to deploy over 17,000 wildland firefighters to support collaborative forest management on public, tribal, and private lands, building on the efforts from 2023 when over 6.8 million acres were treated to lessen the risk of severe fires.
This work involved clearing excess vegetation and restoring fire-adapted ecosystems.
The agencies also highlighted efforts to enhance recruiting and retention, with over $560 million in temporary pay increases funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
