US Forest Service Considers Revival of Controversial ’10 AM Rule’ for Wildfire Suppression
A controversial "10 a.m. rule," a U.S. Forest Service policy from 1933 that mandated extinguishing all wildfires by 10 a.m. the day after they were reported, is reportedly being considered for a return. This policy was abandoned in 1978 due…
Los Angeles, CA, August 24, 2026 —
The U.S. Forest Service is reportedly considering the reinstatement of a decades-old policy known as the “10 a.m. rule.” This rule, originally implemented in 1933, required that all wildfires be extinguished by 10 a.m. the day following their detection.
The “10 a.m. rule” was abandoned in 1978. At the time of its discontinuation, concerns were raised that the policy’s aggressive suppression tactics could lead to an unhealthy buildup of fuel in forests. This accumulation of fuel, critics argued, could ultimately result in larger, more intense, and harder-to-control wildfires.
Recent years have seen increasingly devastating fire seasons, prompting renewed calls for more robust wildfire suppression strategies. Events such as the “January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires” have intensified these discussions. In response to these pressures, some within the agency and among the public are advocating for the return of strict initial attack policies like the “10 a.m. rule.”
However, the potential revival of the policy faces opposition from certain fire researchers and advocacy groups. These stakeholders argue that a more nuanced approach to wildfire management is necessary. They advocate for strategies that may include allowing some fires to burn under controlled conditions, recognizing the ecological role of fire in certain landscapes and the concept of “beneficial fire.”
Despite these concerns, the current U.S. Forest Service chief has expressed a commitment to prioritizing aggressive initial attack on wildfires. This stance suggests a leaning towards rapid and decisive action in confronting new fire ignitions.
Story summarized from the original created by CalMatters staff on laist.com, see more information here.
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