The Trump administration abruptly canceled all classes at the National Fire Academy (NFA) in Maryland on Saturday, citing a review of agency spending and alignment with administration priorities.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) notified instructors, students, and fire departments that courses would be suspended indefinitely, with instructors instructed to halt all future travel.
The NFA, a federally funded training institution, has provided free education for firefighters, EMS providers, and first responders since its founding in 1973. The decision comes amid widespread layoffs and funding freezes across federal emergency response agencies under Trump’s cost-cutting efforts.
Former Maryland fire chief Marc Bashoor called the move “demoralizing”, warning that it will undermine fire safety nationwide. Firefighters set to begin training next week were abruptly informed of cancellations, leaving many with wasted travel expenses.
The closure follows Trump’s January remarks about “getting rid of” FEMA, as well as cuts to the U.S. Forest Service, sparking fears that fewer resources will be available to prevent and fight wildfires.
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