President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at reducing the impacts wildfires have on Americans and ensure fire fighters have the resources needed to respond effectively. …International Association of Fire Fighters President Edward Kelly underscored the need to improve coordination between local, state, and federal partners. The executive order, Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response, directs the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior to consolidate their wildland fire programs and recommend additional measures to modernize the nation’s wildland firefighting efforts. The departments also have 90 days to “expand and strengthen” local and state partnerships to improve wildfire response. …In addition to improved response, the order identifies the need to develop and expand land management practices to reduce wildfires.
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