Secretary Rollins Hosts a Roundtable with Forest Service Firefighters

Secretary Rollins values the perspectives and feedback of firefighters and frontlines workers.

Washington, D.C., February 19, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins hosted a roundtable with U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighters to thank them for their heroic service during the recent California fires. She also spent time hearing their perspective on ways in which the Forest Service could better support our firefighters.

“Every time you respond to a call, you risk your lives to protect our people, our communities, and our beautiful homeland—and it doesn’t go unnoticed,” said Secretary Rollins. “Our entire country was horrified by the images of the raging winds, smoke, and flames during the fire that you all were fighting, most recently in the Palisades and Eaton. But in the middle of all of it—the sorrow and devastating loss—all of America was inspired by your bravery.”

Watch the brief recap video

During the roundtable, Secretary Rollins spoke with the firefighters about their experience on the ground. She asked them for their recommendations to prevent and put out fires as swiftly as possible. She also listened to their input on ways in which the Forest Service could ensure that firefighters have the support and resources they need to do their jobs.

The firefighters were from two exemplary crews that both played a critical role in the recent California fires: The Mark Twain National Forest Veteran’s Crew based in Missouri—whose members are military veterans—and firefighters from a wildland fire engine in the Angeles National Forest in California. These crews travel across the country to respond to wildfires.

Secretary Rollins values the perspectives and feedback of firefighters and frontlines workers, and she looks forward to meeting with additional crews as she travels across the country. She is committed to ensuring that the United States has the strongest and most prepared wildland firefighting force in the world to save lives and protect our beautiful homeland.

In addition to the roundtable this week, on her first day in office Secretary Rollins sent a video message and a letter (PDF, 35.7 KB) to all U.S. Forest Service firefighters to thank them for their service.

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