What We Do

The National Park Service Wildland Fire Management Program is dedicated to safety, science, and resource stewardship. A safe and successful fire management program has many elements that must all work together.

The NPS manages wildland fire to protect the public, communities, and infrastructure, and to restore and maintain ecological health. The program manages fire based on the best scientific information and monitors programs to ensure that objectives are being met. NPS wildland fire managers work in coordination with other natural and resource disciplines and interagency partners to ensure that park resources and values are preserved, protected, and enhanced through appropriate responses to wildfire and the application of fuels treatments.

  • Ranger telling park visitors about fire safety with smoke in the distance
    Promote Safety

    The National Park Service is committed to safety. No natural or cultural resource, home, or item of property is worth a human life.

  • Wildfire smoke and trees in the distance
    Wildfires, Prescribed Fires, and Fuels

    The NPS manages wildland fire and fuels in light of safety, economics, social considerations, and anticipated environmental effects.

  • Fire ecologists working in the field
    Fire Ecology and Research

    The National Park Service strives to ensure that the most current science-based information is integrated into fire and land management.

  • Biologist Observes Fire Behavior Burning Through Research Plot
    Fire Effects Monitoring

    The fire effects monitoring program gathers data for fire management planning to help ensure that we learn from past fires.

  • Scientists evaluate if and which treatments are necessary to restore an area post-fire.
    Post-Fire Rehabilitation and Recovery

    Post-fire programs (e.g., Burned Area Emergency Response) address erosion, runoff, and sedimentation after a fire.

  • Ranger using smartphone in the field to contact the public about fire.
    Informing the Public

    Wildland fires may affect local businesses, homes, and visitors. Public engagement is an important part of wildland fire activities.

  • Wldland firefighters using hand tools to dig fireline in a forested area.
    Wildland Fire Training

    Ask your supervisor/training officer or visit NPS Wildland Fire Training website for information on specialized wildland fire training.

  • Wildland fire employees using GIS maps on the computer
    Using Technology

    Technology is integral to achieving the mission of the Branch of Wildland Fire.

  • Firefighters attend a briefing at a large wildfire
    Incident Management Team Participation

    During large scale wildfires, fire personnel from many different agencies come together to increase safety and efficiency.

Last updated: January 11, 2018

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