The IAFC Wildfire Policy Committee provides strategic leadership on wildland fire and wildland-urban interface (WUI) issues affecting fire departments and communities nationwide.
Comprised of fire service leaders and subject-matter experts, the committee identifies emerging wildfire challenges, advances policies and initiatives that reduce risk, and represents the IAFC in national discussions affecting wildfire prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and community resilience.
Through partnerships with federal agencies, fire service organizations, government leaders, and other stakeholders, the committee helps strengthen the fire service’s voice in shaping the future of wildfire policy.
Our Focus
Wildfire risk continues to grow as more communities expand into the wildland-urban interface. These incidents can threaten lives and homes while disrupting critical infrastructure, local economies, natural and cultural resources, and the long-term health and resilience of communities.
The Wildfire Policy Committee works to address these challenges through prevention, public education, mitigation, preparedness, response, and sound national policy.
Core Responsibilities
Monitor Emerging Wildfire Issues
Identify and evaluate trends, challenges, and emerging issues affecting wildland fire and WUI communities.
Advance Wildfire Policy
Develop strategic recommendations, policies, and initiatives that position the IAFC and fire service to address current and future wildfire challenges.
Represent the Fire Service
Bring the perspectives and operational needs of fire departments and communities to national wildfire policy discussions, leadership groups, and stakeholder meetings.
Strengthen Partnerships
Build relationships with federal, state, local, and private-sector partners, associations, and other organizations working to reduce wildfire risk.
Support IAFC Members
Share information, expertise, and technical guidance to help IAFC members navigate wildfire issues affecting their departments and communities.
Advance National Initiatives
Support wildfire-related initiatives conducted through IAFC partnerships and cooperative agreements with federal agencies, including the USDA Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.
Why Join the Wildfire Policy Committee?
Serving on the Wildfire Policy Committee gives IAFC members an opportunity to help shape the policies, partnerships, and strategies influencing wildfire preparedness and response across the country.
Committee members can:
- Influence national wildfire policy by bringing fire service experience and local perspectives to strategic discussions.
- Represent the needs of WUI communities and help ensure local challenges inform national priorities.
- Collaborate with wildfire leaders and subject-matter experts from across the fire service and partner organizations.
- Stay informed about emerging issues affecting wildfire prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and response.
- Help develop practical solutions that support fire departments and the communities they serve.
Making a Difference in Wildfire Communities
The committee connects local fire service experience with national action. By sharing lessons from the field, identifying emerging challenges, and advocating for effective wildfire strategies, members help advance solutions that can be applied in communities across the country.
This work contributes to stronger partnerships, better-informed policy, improved community preparedness, and more effective approaches to reducing wildfire risk—helping create safer and more resilient wildland and WUI communities.
Wildfire Policy Resources
Explore the IAFC’s wildfire position statements, Wildfire Policy Committee vision statement, action plan, and additional wildfire resources to learn more about the committee’s priorities and ongoing work.
