By Rita Cook
Correspondent
Texas Metro News
WASHINGTON DC – As of June 16, 2025, President Donald Trump signed his 163rd executive order. That number is significant in that Trump has been in office 147 days and his signing spree has already put him over the number of EOs Joe Biden signed during his four years in office. One significant Executive Order #14308 signed last week was a nod at empowering commonsense wildfire prevention and response.
The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum were present during Trump’s signing, as the president directed federal agencies to use commonsense regarding wildland fire capabilities for the future.
The order was a reaction to the devastation of the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires with a look at the “catastrophic consequences when state and local governments are unable to quickly respond to such disasters.”
Through this order a rational consolidation was called to be put in motion for wildland fire programs in order to achieve “the most efficient and effective use of wildland fire offices, coordinating bodies, programs, budgets, procurement processes, and research and, as necessary, recommend additional measures to advance this objective,” according to the executive order.
The order also guides the appropriate agencies to update wildland firefighting efforts to ensure wildfires are prevented using proactive versus reactive measures for future success.
“American farmland, forests, and communities have suffered the devastating consequences of slow and inadequate fire response caused by reckless mismanagement and lack of preparedness,” Secretary Rollins said.
“President Trump’s suite of executive orders show that this Administration will not sit back and watch the destruction of our forests and property. We have the largest and most well-respected wildland firefighting force in the world, and the Trump Administration is working in lockstep to reduce fire risk and respond quickly to emerging fires. We will keep working to ensure that no American town or family is left vulnerable to wildfires.”
To show support for the EO U.S. Forest Service Wildland Firefighters, including Forest Supervisor of the National Forest in North Carolina James Melonas, Helena Hotshot Superintendent Charlie Palermo, and Assistant Fire Management Officer of the Flathead National Forest Justin Kaber were at the oval office EO signing.
President Trump’s stance as written in the Executive Order “Too many cases, including in California, [with a] slow and inadequate response to wildfires, is a direct result of reckless mismanagement and lack of preparedness.”
Within 90 days of the order the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture are mandated to consolidate the wildland fire programs to achieve the most efficient and effective use of wildland fire offices for the maximum success of wildfire preparedness and response.
Rita Cook is a world traveler and writer/editor who specializes in writing on travel, auto, crime and politics. A correspondent for Texas Metro News, she has published 11 books and has also produced low-budget films.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login