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S91119th CongressWALLET

Western Wildfire Support Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]

In Committee

Summary

Transparency and modernization of wildfire response. This bill would require detailed, per-fire reporting for catastrophic wildfires and new science-based fireshed planning. It would also speed deployment of detection technology and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research and create a Long‑Term Burned Area Rehabilitation account.

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  • Residents and communities: Households near burned areas would get faster, clearer recovery help. FEMA could fund online post‑wildfire guides and new Burned Area Emergency Response teams must form within 180 days and can monitor recovery for up to five years.
  • State, local, and Tribal firefighters: Agencies could receive reimbursement when Department of Defense training causes fires under reciprocal agreements. Indian Tribes become eligible for Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act slip‑on tanker assistance and the bill pushes operator training and local integration.
  • Federal land managers and budget transparency: Agencies must produce an itemized accounting for each catastrophic wildfire covering ground, aircraft, personnel, and support costs and include certain emergency budget authority amounts. The bill creates a Treasury Long‑Term Burned Area Rehabilitation account with appropriations beginning in FY2025 and an annual cap of $100 million.

*Would authorize up to $100 million annually for long‑term burned area rehabilitation, increasing federal spending if funded.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Faster wildfire detection and drones

If enacted, the Secretaries would fund UAS research with universities through the Joint Fire Science Program and could test drones at approved FAA test ranges. The Secretaries would also be told to speed placement of sensors and cameras in high-risk areas, use more satellite data, and use unmanned aircraft to assess early fires. These actions would take effect upon enactment.

More local tanker grants and training

If enacted, the IIJA slip-on tanker pilot would explicitly allow Indian Tribes, in addition to local governments, to get financial help to buy tanker units. The Secretary would have to report by State on units bought and requests received, with the first report due October 1, 2027 and the reporting rule ending October 1, 2029. Agencies would also try to add these units to resource tracking systems and coordinate operator training with the U.S. Fire Administration.

New fireshed planning rules

If enacted, the Secretary concerned would have to update spatial fire management policies for every fireshed by September 30, 2027. Plans would be revised within one year after a wildfire and at least every ten years. Plans must note smoke and responder risks and work with local governments and Tribes. Key definitions like "fireshed" and which Secretary covers which lands would take effect upon enactment.

Defense must reimburse state fire costs

If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would have to seek reciprocal agreements so State agencies get reimbursed when a fire is caused by DoD training or planned actions. Reimbursements would be for services directly attributable to the fire and would require itemized requests from the State. Payments would be made from DoD operation and maintenance funds. Existing agreements can qualify if they meet the rules. This would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]

NV • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]

    MT • R

    Sponsored 1/14/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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