National Wildfire Alliance Executive Order 2025*
To: Donald J. Trump, President of the United States
Dear President Trump,
The National Wildfire Alliance (NWA) is a coalition of experts with decades of experience in wildfire and forest management. Our affiliates include organizations and citizens who share our concerns about the accelerating degradation of our nation's forests, prairies, rangelands and rural economies.
In recent years, US wildfires have killed hundreds of citizens while countless thousands more continue to die from deadly smoke toxicity. Billions in taxpayer dollars have fueled the destruction of trillions in public and private property, including 100 million forested acres and thousands of homes. These fires also damage critical wildlife habitat and key watershed needed for clear water supplies. This devastation was predictable, documented, and largely preventable.
In response to the continued escalation of unrelenting fire, NWA has declared a National Wildfire Emergency in 2025 to advocate and implement real and lasting solutions. This video testimony features insights and critical information from NWA leadership.
The following executive order is crucial for the restoration of rational wildfire policy and operations across the nation. Decades of politically driven agendas have led to soaring economic costs and human suffering.
This crisis will only escalate unless we take urgent action now!
Mr. President, your recent visits to the Southern California fires and the Camp Fire underscore the urgent need for an Emergency Order to protect our federal lands and ensure nationwide commitment to prioritize:
First put out the fire!
NWA stands ready to provide data-driven insights and essential guidance in support of effective forest restoration and wildfire emergency response. Our commitment is to help regenerate healthy forests through proven strategies that mitigate risks.
In service to our great nation,
National Wildfire Alliance (NWA)*
/s/William A. Derr, President, National Wildfire Alliance (NWA)*
USFS, Special Agent in Charge [ret.]
Contact: 510-207-9133
/s/ Michael T. Rains
Deputy Chief, USDA Forest Service [ret.]
/s/ Ray Haupt, Siskiyou County Supervisor
CA RPF #2938, USFS District Ranger [ret.]
/s/Jen Hamaker
President, Oregon Natural Resource Industries
/s/ Philip S. Aune
Retired USFS Research Program Manager
/s/ Ted Stubblefield, [ret.] Forest Supervisor
Fire Quals: Type I Command
/s/ Nadine Bailey
COO Family Water Alliance J
/s/James A. Marsh, e -PEAK LLC
“A Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business” “
/s/Anton R. Jaegel, USFS District Engineer [ret.]
County Supervisor, Trinity Co. CA [ret.]
/s/Bob Zybach, PhD.
Program Manager, ORWW
/s/ Jim Petersen
Founder, Evergreen Foundation
/s/ Chuck Sheley
Editor, Smokejumper Magazine
*National Wildfire Alliance, Formerly NWI
Cc: Elon Musk, Department of Government Efficiency
Secretary of Agriculture
National Wildfire Alliance Executive Order 2025*
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. [INSERT NUMBER]
BOLD ACTION TO COMBAT CATASTROPHIC WILDFIRE & REFORM FEDERAL LAND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
By the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United
States of America, and in recognition of the unprecedented wildfire crises devastating communities, natural
ecosystems, and economies across the country, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Policy and Purpose
Wildfires have grown in frequency, intensity, and destructiveness, endangering the lives, properties, and
livelihoods of countless Americans. This crisis demands immediate, bold, and coordinated federal action to
mitigate risks, prevent disasters, and ensure the resilience of our landscapes and communities. Inefficient federal
land management practices, coupled with the accumulation of hazardous fuels, have exacerbated this crisis. To
protect public safety, preserve natural resources, and mitigate environmental degradation, this order establishes
a framework for swift and decisive action.
Section 2. Reinstating the 10 a.m. Rule
(a) Federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), shall
immediately adopt wildfire suppression strategies prioritizing containment of wildfires by 10:00 a.m. the morning
following detection, wherever feasible. (b) Agencies shall employ advanced technologies, satellite-based
detection systems, and modern firefighting techniques to achieve this goal.
Section 3. Active Forest and Rangeland Management
(a) The USDA and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) shall implement a comprehensive hazardous fuel
reduction program within 90 days, which shall include:
• Identification of all lands that have been deforested by wildfires in the past 25 years;
• Development and implementation of programsto remove remaining hazardousfuels;
• Responsible thinning of overgrown forests;
• Mechanical and hand-fuel treatments;
• Restoration of site adaptive vegetation on lands damaged by wildfire; and
• Targeted grazing and invasive species management;
• Utilization of controlled burns in previously treated areas where fuel loads have been reduced;
• Implementation of prompt salvage and restoration of burned landscapes.
(b) Federal land management agencies shall work collaboratively with state, tribal, and local governments to
tailor these measures to regional needs and ensure rapid implementation.
Section 4. Advocacy for Legislative Reforms
(a) The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget, shall propose amendments to the Federal Tort Claims Act and the Tucker Act within 60
days, enabling victims of federally linked wildfires to seek appropriate compensation for damages and losses.
(b) Federal agencies shall review and recommend changes to existing policies that hinder effective wildfire
prevention and suppression, ensuring that state and local expertise is prioritized.
Section 5. Emergency Resource Allocation
(a) The Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), shall
allocate additional federal funds to enhance wildfire suppression, evacuation readiness, post-fire recovery, and
disaster resilience in affected states. (b) Federal agencies shall prioritize infrastructure hardening projects and
ecosystem restoration efforts to mitigate long-term wildfire risks.
Section 6. Public Awareness Campaign
(a) The Department of the Interior and USDA, in partnership with state and local governments, shall launch a
nationwide public awareness campaign within 60 days. (b) The campaign shall educate Americans about wildfire
risks, prevention strategies, and emergency preparedness, with an emphasis on the role of federal land
management in wildfire mitigation.
Section 7. Establishment of a Wildfire Resilience Task Force
(a) A Wildfire Resilience Task Force is hereby established, chaired by the Secretary of the Interior and co-chaired
by the Secretary of Agriculture, to coordinate federal, state, tribal, and local efforts. (b) The Task Force shall
include representatives from state forestry departments, tribal governments, professional foresters, wildfire
suppression experts, and scientists. (c) The Task Force shall submit a report within 120 days detailing innovative,
actionable strategies to reform federal land management and address wildfire risks.
Section 8. Accountability and Transparency
(a) Federal agencies shall report quarterly to the President on progress made under this Executive Order,
including measurable outcomes related to wildfire suppression, prevention, and recovery. (b) The Office of
Management and Budget shall oversee the allocation of funds to ensure that resources are used efficiently and
effectively.
Section 9. General Provisions
(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
• The authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
• The functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or
legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to
the availability of appropriations.
Section 10. Effective Date
This Executive Order is effective immediately.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this [Day] of [Month], [Year], in the year of our Lord [Year],
and of the Independence of the United States of America the [Year].
Donald J. Trump, President of the United States
