As the 2025 hurricane and wildfire seasons approach, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a clear directive: preparedness at all levels of government is essential, and states, territories, and Tribal nations must be ready to shoulder a larger share of disaster response and recovery efforts.
In a May 2 memo titled Strategic Intent for CY 2025 Hurricane and Wildfire Seasons, Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton emphasized that “FEMA’s top priority is readiness to meet the needs of the Nation across the 2025 hurricane and wildfire seasons.” The memo highlights a strategic shift in FEMA’s operational posture, placing increased emphasis on state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) readiness while reaffirming the federal government’s role in catastrophic and large-scale incidents.
Under this guidance, FEMA will concentrate federal resources on immediate life-saving operations and support for large or complex disasters. For most other events, however, primary responsibility will rest with SLTT partners. These jurisdictions are expected to proactively prepare by assessing risks, identifying resource needs, and developing coordination strategies.
Read the full memo from FEMA below:
