Modernizing Wildfire Safety and Prevention Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Harder (CA)
In Committee
Summary
Strengthens wildfire response and public health by funding training for fire leaders, improving smoke monitoring and alerts, and creating centralized data and coordination tools for wildfire mitigation and recovery.
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- Wildland firefighters and the emergency workforce get new training and credentialing paths through a Middle Fire Leaders Academy and competitive workforce grants. The bill authorizes $10.0 million per year for the Academy and $10.0 million per year for the grant program for fiscal years 2026–2035.
- Families and communities gain better smoke information and public-health tools with a county-level smoke alert system, expanded AirNow capabilities, and a NIOSH worker smoke-risk assessment with published best practices. It authorizes $32.0 million per year for smoke monitoring and alerts (2026–2035) and $1.0 million per year for the NIOSH assessment (2026–2028).
- Federal coordination, science, and recovery are boosted by a NOAA Joint Office, dynamic risk maps, a Wildfire Digital Data Center, and FEMA changes that ease use of excess management funds and create a Wildland Fire Major Disaster treatment. The bill authorizes $15.0 million per year for NOAA risk mapping (2026–2030) and $15.0 million per year for the digital data center (2026–2035).
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 10 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
County smoke alerts and more monitors
If enacted, the government would set up county-level smoke alerts within one year. Agencies would expand air monitors, staff, and equipment and modernize AirNow. Wireless Emergency Alerts for smoke would be enabled using air quality forecasts. About $32 million a year would be authorized for 2026–2035.
Stronger wildfire data, mapping, and tools
If enacted, NOAA would create a Fire Environment Joint Office within one year to deliver fire data and decision tools. Within three years, agencies would build dynamic, seasonally updated risk maps using satellites and ground checks. The U.S. Fire Administration would add real-time fire data to its systems and launch a public Wildfire Digital Data Center within one year. Mapping would have $15 million a year authorized for 2026–2030, and the Data Center would have $15 million a year for 2026–2035.
Faster wildfire aid payments in 90 days
If enacted, approved wildfire aid would have firm 90-day payout deadlines. Many FEMA, USDA, and community facility payments would be due within 90 days of application submission. Some aid must be paid within 90 days after the last day of the wildfire. SBA disaster loans would be disbursed within 90 days after approval.
Better retirement for federal wildland firefighters
If enacted, more federal employees who fight wildland and nonwildland fires would count as firefighters for retirement. Some could elect to count service from October 1, 2003 to the day before enactment if they pay the required additional deductions with interest. Agencies would send matching employer contributions, and OPM would notify and assist eligible people.
More training for wildfire careers
If enacted, the Forest Service would start a Middle Fire Leaders Academy within one year. It would offer fast training and certification for wildfire leaders. The Education Department would also give grants within six months to schools and training programs that lead to wildfire-related degrees or certificates. Each program would have $10 million a year authorized for 2026–2035.
Worker safety guidance on wildfire smoke
If enacted, NIOSH would assess health risks from wildfire smoke within two years. The study would cover exposure levels, chemicals, and which workers are most at risk. Within six months after the study, NIOSH would publish best practices to reduce exposure. About $1 million a year would be authorized for 2026–2028.
Easier access to wildfire recovery grants
If enacted, agencies would simplify community wildfire and recovery grants within 90 days. Forms would be shorter, auto-filled where possible, and better aligned, with more staff to help applicants. FEMA would add wildfire-specific recovery rules and update cost tests and priorities for mitigation within one year. The President could also let grantees use unspent management-cost funds for planning, mitigation, and management for up to five years, without new money.
Post-fire floods covered for three years
If enacted, a wildfire disaster declaration would also cover later floods, mudslides, or landslides tied to that fire. Coverage would last for three years after the fire start. This would apply to events that happen after enactment.
Support for families after firefighter casualties
If enacted, Interior would set up a casualty assistance program within six months. Next of kin of firefighters hurt or killed on duty could get help with notifications, travel reimbursement, and case management. A website would give free personalized information on federal survivor benefits. The program would have $1 million a year authorized for 2026–2035.
More fire aid for livestock producers
If enacted, more types of fires would qualify for livestock disaster help. Prescribed burns and managed fires could make eligible producers qualify for forage or emergency livestock assistance. These changes would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Harder (CA)
CA • D
Cosponsors
Franklin, Scott
FL • R
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Neguse
CO • D
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Stanton
AZ • D
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Fitzpatrick
PA • R
Sponsored 3/25/2025
Thompson (CA)
CA • D
Sponsored 9/2/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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