The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has reported that President Trump released more details of the FY 2026 United States budget proposal on 31 May.
According to the IAFC Government Relations and Policy Department, the budget proposes level funding for key fire service grant programmes but includes reductions in other homeland security areas.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programmes would each receive $324 million.
This matches funding levels approved for FY 2024 and FY 2025.
The State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) would decrease from $468 million to $351 million.
The Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) would be reduced from $553.5 million to $415.5 million.
The U.S. Fire Administration would receive $64.166 million, including funding for the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS).
Wildland fire service restructured under new agency
The IAFC stated that the Trump Administration proposes creating a U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) under the Department of the Interior.
This agency would consolidate all federal wildland fire response bureaus and functions.
The USWFS would oversee suppression response, wildfire risk reduction, and coordination with non-federal partners.
It would also employ all federal wildland firefighting personnel, manage federal fire equipment, and direct response policy.
A separate $2.85 billion Wildfire Operations Reserve Fund would also be established.
Existing programmes within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including State Fire Assistance and Volunteer Fire Assistance, would be eliminated and potentially transferred to the USWFS.
The budget includes permanent salary increases for federal and tribal wildland firefighters.
According to the IAFC, the proposed funding covers new special salary rates and premium incident response pay introduced in Public Law 119–4.
Tribal nations would also receive funds to offer similar pay increases.
Health and safety provisions for fire and EMS personnel
The FY 2026 budget includes $94.7 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services.
The IAFC reported that several public health agencies would be consolidated into a new Administration for a Healthy America, with a $19 billion allocation.
The National Firefighter Registry for Cancer would receive $6 million, representing a $500,000 increase.
The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory would be defunded.
The World Trade Center Health Program would continue to receive federal support.
According to the IAFC, the State Opioid Response and other behavioural health emergency grants are being reorganised into a single Behavioral Health Innovation Block Grant.
The effects on the rural health-focused SIREN programme remain uncertain.
A further reorganisation would create a $3.7 billion Assistant Secretary for a Healthy Future by combining the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response with ARPA-H.
Hazmat and transportation safety funding allocated
The IAFC reported that the Department of Transportation would receive $121.4 million for Hazardous Materials Safety and Emergency Preparedness Grants under the FY 2026 proposal.
This includes $66.9 million for hazmat safety operations.
A further $48.8 million would be allocated to hazmat training grants for first responders and local governments.
An additional $2.5 million is allocated for Pipeline Emergency Response Grants.
The Information Grants to Communities programme would receive $2 million.
The IAFC said these allocations support frontline response capabilities in hazardous material incidents.
IAFC urges congressional protection of local emergency support programmes
The IAFC stated that it will continue to advocate for strong federal support for fire and EMS departments.
The organisation noted concerns about a policy shift that places more responsibility for emergency response on individual states.
It said such changes must not weaken the role of federal programmes in supporting local responders.
The IAFC encouraged its members to remain updated on legislative developments as Congress begins reviewing and amending the FY 2026 budget proposal.
IAFC outlines Trump Administration’s FY 2026 fire and emergency budget plans: Summary
President Trump released further details of the FY 2026 budget on 31 May 2025.
The IAFC reported that AFG and SAFER fire service grants would remain funded at $324 million each.
Homeland security grants SHSGP and UASI would be reduced.
The U.S. Fire Administration would receive $64.166 million, including support for NERIS.
The Trump Administration proposes creating a new U.S. Wildland Fire Service under the Department of the Interior.
The new agency would consolidate federal wildland fire responsibilities and personnel.
A $2.85 billion Wildfire Operations Reserve Fund would also be established.
State Fire Assistance and Volunteer Fire Assistance programmes would be discontinued.
The budget includes pay increases for federal and tribal wildland firefighters.
The Department of Health and Human Services would be reorganised under a $94.7 billion proposal.
The National Firefighter Registry for Cancer would receive a $500,000 funding increase.
The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory would be defunded.
Hazardous materials safety and training grants would total $121.4 million under the Department of Transportation.
The IAFC stated it will continue to advocate for federal funding of fire and EMS departments.