BRUSH Fires Act

Study to protect homeowners near shrublands

If enacted, this bill would require the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Forest Service, to study wildfire mitigation in shrubland ecosystems. The study would begin within one year after enactment and evaluate hazardous fuels management (including strategic fuel breaks) and practices to maintain native-plant health, like controlling invasive vegetation and improving shrub resprouting. It would also assess Forest Service policies to limit ember ignitions from people and structures (including electrical infrastructure), when each method works best (weather, season, topography), and administrative or budget barriers to implementation. The agency would coordinate with Forest Service experts and other federal agencies and consult non-federal experts. Within 90 days after the study ends, the Secretary would send a public report to the specified House and Senate committees and publish findings, identify best practices, and list opportunities to improve coordination to protect homes near shrublands.