Fire is a natural and essential component of many ecosystems. When managed properly, it serves as an effective tool for maintaining and restoring ecological balance. By integrating fire into land management practices, we’re supporting biodiversity and sustaining resilient ecosystems for wildlife and people.
What We Do
Our Services
Approximately 55 percent (50 million acres) of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands—including marshes, forests, and prairies—have evolved with fire and benefit from periodic fire to maintain their health and productivity. Low intensity fire, like prescribed fire, help to prevent the buildup of combustible materials, which in turn reduces wildfire risk to communities, and promotes the growth of native vegetation, and enhance habitats for wildlife.
Nationally, across Service lands:
- 370,000 acres burn in wildfires annually (10-year average)
- 342,845 acres are treated with prescribed fire annually (10-year average)
- 498 FWS fire management professionals
- Fire-adapted vegetation supports habitat for key species, including threatened and endangered species
Latest Stories and Topics
Stories
Our Partners
Representatives responsible for firefighting, law enforcement, and emergency management from local, county, state, and federal agencies gathered for a groundbreaking Interagency Wildland Fire Meeting on March 1st, 2025, aimed at strengthening coordination and cooperation efforts for wildland fire...
After a two-year battle with cancer, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge firefighter, Brian Wolgamott, passed away at the age of 42 on November 28, 2024. Mr. Wolgamott’s cancer was deemed to be proximately caused by employment in federal fire protection activities under the Federal Employees’...
Land Management
Ruby Valley, Nev. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be conducting a prescribed burn at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge the week of December 2, weather dependent, on Unit 14 of the marsh to improve habitat conditions.
Recreation
National wildlife refuges improve the quality of life for millions of Americans by boosting access to outdoor recreation, buffering storms, cleaning our air and water, and conserving wildlife. And that's just for starters.
Emergency Management
The Rush Fire is primarily on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and lands administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Oklahoma Forestry Services. The Rush Fire is currently 12,488 acres and 87% contained. This will be the last Daily Update for the Rush Fire.
Emergency Management
The Rush Fire is primarily on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and lands administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Oklahoma Forestry Services. The Rush Fire is currently 12,488 acres and 76% contained. There are currently 24 engines, 2 dozers, 2...