04/02/2026
🚨 NASFM POSITION STATEMENT 🚨
Impacts of the Shutdown of the U.S. Fire Administration
📅 Adopted April 1, 2026
The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) strongly opposes the shutdown of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) — a critical pillar of our nation’s fire and life safety system.
🔥 What’s at Risk?
📚 Training & Readiness
The National Fire Academy delivers essential training nationwide. A shutdown halts firefighter development and compromises safety.
📊 Critical Data Systems (NFIRS & NERIS)
Without USFA, the nation loses vital data used to drive policy, funding, and prevention strategies—at a time when NERIS implementation is critical.
🏫 Public Fire Prevention
Education saves lives. Interruptions increase risk to communities across America.
🤝 National Coordination
USFA unifies federal, state, and local fire service efforts. Its absence weakens disaster response and interoperability.
💰 AFG Grant Program
AFG provides essential funding for equipment, training, and safety. Disruption threatens grant effectiveness—especially for rural departments.
🏘️ State & Local Impact
Fire marshals and local agencies face increased strain without federal support.
⚠️ NASFM POSITION
✔️ USFA is essential to national public safety
✔️ AFG must remain stable and fully funded
✔️ Shutdowns directly compromise firefighter and public safety
✔️ Federal leaders must ensure continuous USFA operations
✔️ Investment in USFA = safer firefighters & stronger communities
🔥 WHY THIS MATTERS NOW
Wildfires are escalating nationwide. This is not the time to weaken our fire service infrastructure.
A fully operational USFA and National Fire Academy are NOT optional — they are essential.
📣 CALL TO ACTION
NASFM urges Congress and federal leadership to:
➡️ End the shutdown immediately
➡️ Protect USFA operations
➡️ Sustain AFG funding
➡️ Reaffirm commitment to fire prevention & safety
📞 For More Information
Chief H. Butch Browning
Executive Director, NASFM
📱 225-806-0803
📧 [email protected]
