When federal agencies raise the national preparedness level to 4, it indicates that personnel and equipment are being stretched to capacity following large fires. The United States is expected to face one of the most challenging wildfire seasons in decades in 2025 due to a 'dangerously unprepared' environment. There are unmistakable warning signs. As of mid-July 2025, 40,692 wildfires have burned more than 2.8 million acres across the U.S., with 41 large fires still being actively suppressed nationwide.
A number of federal firefighters and officials are raising concerns about deep cuts that have left the U.S. Forest Service significantly understaffed. The loss of more than 7,500 essential employees has resulted in weakened forecasting, planning, and firefighting capabilities.
Specifically, Senator Jeff Merkley notes that 1,400 fire-certified employees have left the agency, and the Forest Service is now scrambling to rehire them. As he warns: "you can't get ready after the fire starts."
The staffing crisis extends beyond the Forest Service. Recent cuts include at least 1,000 National Park Service workers, many Red-Card trained, creating additional gaps in wildfire response capabilities. States like Washington and Oregon warn that without clarity on staff readiness and aviation availability, wildfire response could falter when communities need it most.
Wildfire season now lasts longer and becomes more intense in many regions in the U.S., even in places that have never seen wildfires before. There are a lot of communities that don't have the infrastructure, experience, or plans to deal with these new threats.
Southeast and Midwest power companies have not implemented basic fire-mitigation measures like safety shutoffs and vegetation clearances, leaving regions vulnerable to fires. Homeowners in any area should avoid relying solely on public fire systems during wildfires because urban water systems and hydrants aren't built for fast-moving fires. Funding cuts have hit the Fire Sciences Lab in Missoula, which is critical for modeling and advising emergency response.
New federal policies direct states and localities to take more responsibility for wildfire preparedness, resource allocation, and initial disaster response. This shift means many communities must bear more of the cost and planning burden, often without enough resources or trained personnel.
With drought conditions intensifying across the Western United States, where much of the region falls within the 31.4% of the country now in drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, and with fuel dryness at critical levels, reductions in personnel, funding, and mitigation programs have left the United States heading into a high-risk wildfire season with limited resources and stretched capacity.
If a wildfire has impacted your property or livelihood, you don't have to navigate the complex claims process alone. At Atraxia Law, we understand that wildfire damage often extends beyond what insurance adjusters typically consider. We help victims get the compensation they deserve after devastating fires with the help of our experienced professionals.
We work exclusively on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we obtain compensation for you. Our team will thoroughly review your case and determine whether you are entitled to file a wildfire claim. Once we establish that you qualify, we will connect you to an experienced attorney who will help you file your claim. They will help you obtain the compensation you're entitled to for the damages the wildfire has caused you from your insurance company, as well as those responsible for the fire, if applicable.