This project supports search, rescue, and fire prevention relief by employing evidence based practices to improve risk management, increase public awareness, and enhance the performance of key…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Region 5 - Pacific Southwest Region, awarded a $100,000 Project Grant to the Department of Search and Rescue under the State & Private Forestry Cooperative Fire Assistance program (CFDA 10.698) on September 24, 2025, with a completion date of December 31, 2029. This award supports search, rescue, and fire prevention relief efforts on non-federal forest and rural lands in American Samoa through implementation of evidence-based practices designed to improve risk management and enhance public safety outcomes.

The funded initiative delivers four primary service components: fire hydrant and water access mapping to improve emergency response capabilities, wildfire mitigation training for emergency personnel, fire prevention education for the general public, and targeted outreach to landowners. These integrated activities address wildland-urban interface fire risks and build local capacity for wildfire prevention, control, and suppression operations consistent with the program's focus on preventing fires and protecting non-federal lands from wildfire hazards.

This project supports search, rescue, and fire prevention relief by employing evidence based practices to improve risk management, increase public awareness, and enhance the performance of key components of the project include fire hydrant and water access mapping, wildfire mitigation training, fire prevention education, and targeted outreach to landowners.