US Forest Service chief warns of heightened wildfire risk

Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee, saying that large parts of the United States face elevated wildfire potential this season. He noted that the agency has hired more than 11,000 firefighters—a 6% increase over last year—and aims for 11,300 by July, while expanding hazardous‑fuel reduction work and improving coordination with other federal agencies.

Experts also warn that drought, reduced snowpack and staff losses in federal fire teams could make the 2026 fire season especially dangerous. By May 29, about 2.4 million acres had burned, roughly twice the ten‑year average for that date, with most fires in the Southeast, Plains and mountainous regions. The Forest Service’s fuel‑reduction acreage fell about 35% from the previous year, raising concerns about preparedness as climate conditions worsen.