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.
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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
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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...
Emergency Management
A preliminary investigation into the cause of the Rush Fire has documented activities that likely led to the ignition. We know that the fire began around 3:00 p.m. CDT on Thursday, October 24, 2024, just east of Rush Lake on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. At that time, a masticator—a type...
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 61% contained. There are currently 23 engines, 1 Type 1 crew, 2...
Land Management
Each year, as temperatures rise and prolonged droughts take hold, wildfires sweep through the country, with a seemingly increased ferocity each season. With significant wildfire activity, the U.S. reached Preparedness Level 5 — the highest level on the scale — in July this year.