Issue 

The fire service must have a greater

role in federal policy development

when federal agencies develop

policies and programs related to

public safety, such as first responder

mental health and wellness, building

and fire codes, and the five mission

areas of the National Preparedness

Goal (prevention, protection,

mitigation, response, and recovery).

We must undertake a whole-ofgovernment, proactive, resourced

approach to the nation’s fire

problem.

The United States faces a serious

fire problem. According to the

National Fire Protection Association

(NFPA), fire accounted for nearly 

$16 billion in direct property loss in

2021. These fires caused 3,800

civilian deaths and 14,700 civilian

fire injuries.1 According to a

September 2023 report from the

National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration (NOAA), a record

number of billion-dollar weather

and climate related disaster have

occurred in the United States yearto-date. These events have resulted

in costs exceed $57 billion and 253

direct and indirect fatalities.2 

2023 | U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control 

Areas

Resources and Funding 

Many local fire departments remain under-resourced,

leaving their communities and firefighters at risk. Vital

research into emerging technologies, firefighter health

and safety, and advancements in building systems and

practices are underfunded. To address the nation’s fire

problem, the federal government, as well as state and

local governments, need to invest in a comprehensive

strategy with stakeholder partners. 

Aligning USFA with Current Need

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) should be elevated

within the Federal Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA) and transformed into a multi-disciplinary

response, preparedness, and mitigation agency. As many

response agencies already have, each FEMA region

should have a dedicated USFA specialist to assist in the

planning and response to disasters. USFA must be fully

funded and appropriately staffed to execute its mission.

Fire’s Footprint in the Federal System 

As the White House and federal policy makers address

resiliency in the built environment, they must recognize

the fire service is the first line of response to all

disasters, including those involving wind, water, fire, or

other hazards. Nearly every department and agency in

the federal government touches upon fire and

emergency services in some way. These departments

and agencies are responsible for engaging with fire

service stakeholders — inside and outside of the federal

Employ a proactive and fully resourced whole-of-government approach, with significant

involvement by the fire service, to address threats — including fire — to the health and

safety of our nation’s population. 

Whole-of-Government

Approach
2023 | U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control 

______________________________

1 “Fire Loss in the United States During 2021” (National Fire

Protection Association; September 2022) 

2 “Assessing the U.S. Climate in August 2023” (National Centers

for Environmental Information, NOAA; September 11, 2023) 

government — when developing policies and procedures impacting fire and life safety. Despite the

fire service’s significant footprint in these departments’ mission, there is a lack of coordination and

cohesive policy development among these agencies. Consistent, competent, and effective leadership

at the U.S. Fire Administration can coordinate these policies and ensure that the fire service

stakeholders can effectively operate at the national level. 

Department of Defense 

4Military firefighter health and safety 

Department of Justice 

4Bureau of Justice Assistance 

4Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program 

Department of the Interior 

4Bureau of Land Management 

4Wildland firefighting 

Department of Agriculture

4US Forest Service 

4Wildland firefighting 

Department of Commerce 

4National Telecommunications and Information

Administration 

4First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) 

Department of Labor 

4Occupational Safety & Health Administration 

Department of Health and Human Services

4Centers for Disease Control & Prevention/National

Institute for Occupational Safety & Health

4National Firefighter Registry 

Department of Housing and Urban Development

4Public and Indian Housing 

4Safe and affordable housing for our most

vulnerable populations 

Department of Transportation

4National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

4Office of EMS 

Department of Energy

4Office of Environment, Health, Safety & Security

4Fire Protection Program 

Department of Education

4Office of Postsecondary Education 

4Campus Safety & Security 

Department of Veterans Affairs 

4Safe and affordable housing for veterans and their

families 

Department of Homeland Security 

4Federal Emergency Management Agency/US Fire

Administration 

4National Fire Academy

4Assistance to Firefighters/Staffing for Adequate

Fire & Emergency Response/Fire Prevention &

Safety Grants 

The federal government has numerous agencies and programs impacting the nation’s fire and

emergency services. Nearly every department in the federal government touches upon fire and

emergency services. Here is a snapshot of some of the various programs in the federal

government impacting fire and life safety. 

More Information4