U.S. Wildland Fire Service is Accepting Applications for Funding to Support Wildland Fire Research

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is accepting applications for wildland fire research funding. Approximately $9 million is available through the Joint Fire Science Program, an interagency partnership between the Departments of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, to support research that addresses emerging and long-term wildland fire management challenges.

“Wildfire is one of the most complex, consequential challenges facing our nation’s lands and communities. This funding reflects our commitment to better understand the forces driving today’s fire environment,” said U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy. “This investment in research ensures we have the knowledge to act decisively, manage risk effectively, and build a more fire-resilient future.”

The Joint Fire Science Program is now accepting research proposals to help transform wildland fire management nationwide. The program includes three distinct funding tracks designed to fuel cutting-edge research, spark student innovation, and cultivate the next generation of wildland fire management leaders.

Primary Research

The Primary Research funding opportunity will support research focused on the drivers and consequences of changing wildfire regimes and smoke impacts from prescribed fire and wildfire.

Federal agencies, state and local governments, tribes, academic institutions and nonprofits are eligible to apply.

Individual awards will range from $300,000 to $500,000. A total of up to $4 million may be awarded under this category.

Fire Leaders and Managers, Emerging Scientists

The Joint Fire Science Program is introducing a new funding opportunity for graduate students through the Fire Leaders and Managers, Emerging Scientists award.

Current master’s and doctoral students enrolled at U.S. colleges or universities who are studying wildland fire or related physical, biological, or social sciences are invited to apply.

This program is designed to strengthen the connection between scientific research and real-world fire management by providing students with experiential learning opportunities and exposure to fire management practices. It also aims to foster mentorship, peer learning, and career development in the wildland fire field.

Individual awards will not exceed $40,000. A total of up to $500,000 will be awarded under this category.

Regional Fire Science Exchange

Beyond individual research projects, the Joint Fire Science Program also supports a nationwide network designed to make wildland fire science more accessible, relevant and actionable. The Fire Science Exchange Network creates vital connections between scientists, fire managers, practitioners, and communities across 15 ecologically distinct regions of the U.S.

Proposals to lead a regional fire science exchange for two years are being accepted from nine regions:

• Alaska
• Appalachians
• Great Basin
• North Atlantic
• Northern Rockies
• Northwest
• Oak Woodlands
• Pacific Islands
• Southwest

A total of up to $4 million will be awarded through this category.

The deadline to submit a proposal in any category is September 17, 2026. More information about these funding opportunities, including details on how to apply, is available on the Joint Fire Science Program website.

Through applied research and science delivery, the Joint Fire Science Program helps land managers better understand fire behavior, ecosystem responses to wildfires, and the social and environmental impacts of wildfire — ensuring that research findings inform real-world land management decisions.