The Federal Emergency Management Agency U.S. Fire Administration notified agencies around the country that all in-person trainings are cancelled, at least temporarily.
The agency said only virtual courses that involve no FEMA funds are allowed to proceed.
“FEMA is currently in the process of evaluating agency programs and spending to ensure alignment with Administration priorities. While this review is underway, we will be cancelling all in person training offered by the National Fire Academy (on and off campus),” the agency announced via email.
The agency had already announced it was cancelling the National Weekend Sponsored by Women in Fire, previously scheduled for May 17 and 18, 2025, at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland, apparently to comply with Trump Administration executive orders to cease diversity, equity and inclusion activities.
This new announcement applies to all trainings, both on-campus and in the states.
Maine Fire Service Institute, for example, announced its NFA Command and Control of Wildland Urban Interface Fire Operations for the Structural Chief Officer training planned for this weekend is cancelled. It was able to convert another leadership training offering from in-person to virtual to comply with the new rules.
FEMA has issued no guidance yet on how long it expects the ban on in-person training to last.
