Key Takeaways:
- Common Sense Over Climate Politics: President Trump condemned the “Green New Scam” and decades of poor leadership in California for worsening wildfires, urging a return to practical forest management and preparedness.
- Action Through Reform: The administration’s new executive orders streamline wildfire response, integrate artificial intelligence for faster detection, and launch the largest hazardous waste cleanup in EPA history.
- Empowering Americans: Trump called on every household to take responsibility for fire prevention through basic safety measures — from testing alarms to having escape plans — underscoring that true safety begins at home.
President Donald Trump is honoring Fire Prevention Week by calling on Americans to take personal responsibility and proactive steps to reduce the risks of fires across the nation. The president combined appreciation for America’s first responders with sharp criticism of the failed “green” policies that have fueled preventable disasters.
“During Fire Prevention Week, we call on every household and community to prioritize fire prevention by taking steps that reduce risks and strengthen safety,” Trump wrote in his proclamation. He praised firefighters and first responders for their “steadfast courage and dedication” while urging citizens to embrace “commonsense awareness and preparedness measures.”
Fire Prevention Week officially kicked off on October 5, 2025, across North America — this year with a strong focus on the growing risk of lithium-ion battery fires. Led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the campaign’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” highlights how everyday devices like e-bikes, smartphones, and scooters can pose serious fire hazards if not handled correctly.
With lithium-ion battery fires having tripled in recent years, the campaign is urging Americans to make smart choices — like purchasing only certified products, charging devices on hard, nonflammable surfaces, and using approved equipment. The NFPA also reminds consumers to properly recycle old batteries at certified drop-off locations to prevent dangerous “thermal runaway” incidents.
Communities from Philadelphia to Ottawa are taking part in Fire Prevention Week by hosting local events, sharing safety demonstrations, and encouraging households to double-check how and where they charge their devices. As our world grows more connected — and more reliant on rechargeable technology — this year’s campaign serves as a timely reminder that a little prevention and awareness can save lives, protect homes, and keep communities safe.
Trump didn’t mince words about the role of government negligence in recent wildfires, particularly in California. He called out the “Green New Scam agenda and disastrous forest management” that left the state vulnerable, noting that “hydrants ran dry” and “reservoirs were left empty.” The result, he said, was deadly and devastating — at least 30 lives lost and hundreds of billions of dollars in destruction.
To fix what he called “years of mismanagement,” Trump issued a series of executive orders earlier this year aimed at restoring competence and efficiency in wildfire prevention. His reforms direct federal agencies to consolidate wildland fire programs, modernize response systems with artificial intelligence, and accelerate cleanup and recovery efforts through the EPA — the largest of its kind in U.S. history.
The president also celebrated permanent pay raises for federal wildland firefighters, saying their bravery “embodies the strength and determination of the American spirit.”
Finally, Trump urged families to do their part by testing smoke alarms, preparing escape plans, and watching for everyday hazards like faulty wiring and unattended cooking. “Together,” he wrote, “we can prevent fires and keep our communities safe.”