'We're dry:' The new U.S. Wildland Fire Service prepares for extreme fire season

A Florida Forest Service firefighter's helicopter prepares to dump a bucket load of water on a wildfire on April 14, 2026, in Naples, Florida. Conditions in the area are conducive to wildfires due to the lack of rain, causing drought conditions. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Joe Raedle/Getty Images Across the country, wildland firefighters are staring down what could be one of the most severe fire seasons in recent history. …