Fire Consolidation as Creative Destruction? Trump's Proposed U.S. Wildland Fire Service
Secretarial Orders from the DOI and USDA were released on September 15th announcing steps they will take to implement Trump's Executive Order #14308 that mandated consolidation of all federal fire management programs. Issued last June, Trump demanded that this radical restructuring of federal fire programs be accomplished within 90 days--essentially, during peak wildfire season in the west!
Samson’s Bet
Incendiary Imbeciles #9
Hazing can be a heuristic teaching method for beginning wildland firefighters. If inclusive and genteel, hazing helps shrink hubris, arrogance, and exaggerated self-confidence. New and unexpected dangers lurk on any wildfire. Best to keep that sense of humbleness handy. But sometimes that humility must be kicked into the head of the hazer.
Political Maneuvering in Federal Land Management: Analyzing the USDA's July 2025 Reorganization
Introduction
The USDA's July 25th memorandum ordering a comprehensive reorganization of the $203 billion agency raises serious questions about the true motivations behind this restructuring. While framed in terms of efficiency and customer service, the proposed changes appear to represent a strategic power shift that could undermine effective federal land management and scientific forestry practices.
Prescription for Safety
Prescription for Safety (P4S) is a community led group located in the Little Applegate in Southern Oregon, focused on implementing fuels treatments along critical evacuation routes in the area.
Colorado Condensate
Incendiary Imbeciles #4
Lots of wildland fire workers enjoy being a part of the virtuous fire cycle and pridefully protect human structures. But many times unknown circumstances compromise their safety.
From the air, we got a good look of the millions of years old interplay of wildland fires’ creative destruction and promise of rebirth, renewal and vibrant growth on this landscape of piñon, juniper, and sagebrush. We also saw the encroaching fossil fuel infrastructure that sprawled as gigantic spider webs of pipelines binding derelict carcasses of rusting storage tanks and decaying pump jacks.
Meditations with Wildland Firefighters
I had the pleasure and privilege of representing FUSEE at a 6-day mindfulness retreat for 24 wildland firefighters (current, former, and retired) in mid-January at Great Vow Zen Monastery. Helena put in much of the leg work on FUSEE’s behalf with the three facilitators in planning and leading up to the retreat. Late into the planning process, I asked if I could join and I was tasked with going to observe and help determine whether this would be a good thing for FUSEE to continue to sponsor and support in the future. I also have a background in mental health, prior to my administrative and nonprofit law work, and I worked in few different roles for mental health organizations after majoring in Psychology in college.
Undulating Undulates
Incendiary Imbeciles #3
Wildland fire workers’ “Ethics” contemplates “Ecology” within the Golden Rule. Sometimes institutional biases prevent participants from doing the right thing, still wildlands abide.
From the plane I saw the herd of elk below. Our airplane and jumpers floating into the meadow jumpspot must have disturbed them. The elk herd began to stampede.
Down Air Prickly Pear
Incendiary Imbeciles #2
Frontline wildland fire workers usually stay “United” in solidarity for survival when facing danger or “bad deals.” They help each other and enjoy the hardship and hilarity endemic to wildfires.
Blistering deserts, steep, tall mazes draped in tangled, stoic forests, the Gila can be unforgiving. That’s why you’re gotta trust your wildland firefighting partner to support and be there for you.