The NFAEB has created the Federal Fire Policy Directives Task Group, which coordinates with state agencies to implement cooperative agreements.

Although NIFC was initially founded to manage firefighting resources throughout the western states, the center is now designated as an "all-risk" co-ordination center, and as such, provides support in response to other emergencies such as floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes for the United States at large; accordingly, it also contributes to the national preparedness level.

Engines, ground crews, hotshots, smokejumpers, helicopters with water buckets, and air tankers may all be used for initial suppression.

If a wildland fire grows to the point where local personnel and equipment are insufficient, the responsible agency contacts the Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC) for help.

MAC also establishes the National Preparedness Levels throughout the calendar year to help ensure firefighting resources are ready and able to respond to probable new incidents (a form of risk management).