As communities across the western United States endure a severe wildfire season following an unusually dry winter, the research that supports wildfire response is being threatened. Over the past several decades, federally funded scientists have developed tools that improve wildfire forecasting, smoke modeling, and fire management.
For example, the real-time wildfire smoke maps now used by governments, firefighting teams, commercial apps, and the public were developed through years of research at the Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Laboratory in Seattle. However, the Seattle lab is among 57 of 77 Forest Service research stations identified for closure or consolidation under the agency’s proposed reorganization.
Researchers warn that, as wildfires become more frequent and severe, reducing federal investment in wildfire science could erode decades of expertise and weaken the nation’s ability to prepare for and respond to future fires.
