
image: Michael Rieger/FEMA
Earlier this month, a report on the National Cohesive Fire Management Strategy was released, the result of a three-phase planning and analysis effort to examine and address the complexities of wildland fire management issues. Initiated in 2009 as part of the Federal Land Assistance, Management, and Enhancement Act (FLAME Act), the report was developed collaboratively by federal, state, tribal, and local community partners, and public stakeholders, to outline national and regional approaches for effectively restoring forested landscapes, preparing for the increasing effects of climate change, and minimizing destructive wildfires in the future.
As defined in the report, the Cohesive Strategy vision for the next century is: To safely and effectively extinguish fire when needed; use fire where allowable; manage our natural resources; and, as a Nation, live with wildland fire. The primary national goals identified as necessary to achieving this vision are:
- Restore and maintain resilient landscapes
- Fire-adapted communities in which human populations and infrastructure can withstand a wildfire without loss of life and property
- A cohesive wildfire response with all jurisdictions participating to make and implement safe, effective, efficient risk-based wildfire management decisions