Planning process to reduce the risk and severity of wildfires across puerto rico FY2025

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service awarded $1.74 million to the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps on September 26, 2025, under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance program (CFDA 10.664) to reduce wildfire risk and severity across Puerto Rico.

The recipient will develop planning and hazard fuel mitigation strategies, conduct fuel management activities including mechanical clearing, prescribed burns, and vegetation thinning in high-risk forested and interface areas, and develop defensible space around vulnerable communities. The award also funds expansion of firefighting resources through equipment upgrades, training program expansion, and improved coordination with federal and local emergency services. Activities include establishing public education and outreach programs on wildfire awareness and readiness, and collaborating with environmental, forestry, and emergency management partners to align with Puerto Rico's hazard mitigation, drought, and biodiversity conservation strategies.

Performance is scheduled through December 31, 2028. The modification extending the period of performance was requested to allow time for procurement, delivery, and receipt of vehicles, heavy equipment, and machinery required for full project implementation. Work is performed in Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps, a division of the Puerto Rico Fire Department, is a state government entity.

This project will involve: planning development for hazardous fuel mitigation and wildfire prevention. Conducting fuel management activities, including mechanical clearing, prescribed burns, and vegetation thinning in high-risk forested and interface areas. Developing and maintaining defensible space around vulnerable communities to reduce ignition risks. Expanding firefighting resources by upgrading equipment, expanding training programs, and improving coordination with federal and local emergency services. Establishing public education and outreach programs to promote wildfire awareness and readiness among residents and landowners. Collaborating with environmental, forestry, and emergency management partners to align with puerto rico's broader hazard mitigation, droughts, and biodiversity conservation strategies.