FOREST SERVICE: Fully Following Leading Practices for Agency Reforms Would Strengthen Prescribed Fire Program.

The United States Forest Service is planning to increase its use of prescribed fire to reduce wildfire risk. However, there are still gaps in certain areas of the agency's prescribed fire program, such as establishing goals and outcomes, strategic workforce planning, managing and monitoring, and leadership focus and attention. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) conducted an analysis of the Forest Service's program and found contributing factors to prescribed fire escapes. The Forest Service has implemented reforms in response to incidents in New Mexico in 2022, but the extent of implementation of remaining actions is yet to be determined. The agency is facing challenges in implementing some recommendations, such as a lack of qualified staff, but is taking steps to address them. The Forest Service has partially addressed leading practices for agency reforms but needs to develop outcome-oriented goals and performance measures. The agency is also facing challenges in training and qualifications for prescribed fire roles. The document provides recommendations for the Chief of the Forest Service to improve the prescribed fire program, including developing an implementation plan and assessing resources needed. The Forest Service generally agrees with the findings and recommendations and plans to implement the suggested reforms. [Extracted from the article]