The nation’s top federal fire training academy in Maryland abruptly canceled classes on Saturday, citing funding freezes and staffing cuts by President Donald Trump’s administration. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that National Fire Academy courses were being canceled as part of a review of agency spending to align with administration priorities. Instructors were instructed to halt all future travel plans.
First responders from across the country attend the NFA’s free training programs at its campus. The academy, established in 1973 to address a rise in fatal fires, is seen as crucial to the fire service community. The sudden cancellation of classes, including upcoming training for fire safety officers, has caused frustration and disappointment among participants.
The potential impact of losing access to NFA training is concerning, particularly for firefighters who rely on the institution for essential skills. The announcement comes in the wake of discussions by President Trump about potentially eliminating FEMA and staff reductions at the U.S. Forest Service following the devastating California wildfires. The move to cut resources for fire prevention and response has raised alarm among officials and former employees. FEMA and the National Fire Academy have not provided further comments on the situation.
