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Representatives responsible for firefighting, law enforcement, and emergency management from local, county, state, and federal agencies gathered for a groundbreaking Interagency Wildland Fire Meeting on March 1st, 2025, aimed at strengthening coordination and cooperation efforts for wildland fire response and mitigation in and around the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The session, held at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, NJ, included members of the fire and police departments adjacent to the Refuge, emergency management offices, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
As fire seasons continue to grow in intensity and frequency, the meeting focused on strengthening coordination and cooperation across the agencies to mitigate wildfire risks, respond to wildfires and ensure the safety of the surrounding communities and neighbors. Participants discussed advancements in fire prevention, mitigation tactics, communications, and resource allocation, with a key focus on cross-agency collaboration.
“Collaboration between agencies is paramount,” said Mike Horne, Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Manager, during the meeting. “By working together, sharing resources, and using the latest technology, we can increase our effectiveness in preventing and controlling fires, ultimately preventing injury, potentially saving lives and reducing property damage.”
One of the key outcomes from this meeting was the decision to implement a working group across agencies, ensuring that personnel are well-prepared for a variety of wildfire scenarios. The working group also emphasized the importance of leveraging new fire management technologies, including predictive modeling systems that help forecast fire behavior and the use of aerial surveillance tools.
“We are committed to staying ahead of the curve with fire management innovations and ensuring that our teams are equipped with the best resources,” said Tomas Liogys, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prescribed fire specialist. “By fostering a cooperative environment, we enhance our ability to respond quickly and efficiently.”
“I would again like to express my appreciation to all of you for coming together on a Saturday to discuss wildfire issues regarding the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge,” Mike Horne added. “I hope that this begins even greater coordination and cooperation across our agencies in mitigating wildfire risks, responding to fires, and serving our communities and neighbors.”
The working group plans to meet annually to assess ongoing wildfire risks and improve coordination efforts. Their collaborative approach is expected to play a pivotal role in minimizing impacts from future fire seasons and ensuring that communities are prepared for the challenges ahead.
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