§2106 Rural Fire Prevention and Control

Summary

Requires the Secretary to work with State foresters and similar officials to prevent, control, and fight fires on rural and non-Federal lands. The Secretary may give money, technical help, training, and equipment to State officials, local agencies, tribal groups, and rural volunteer fire departments. The help covers fire prevention, suppression, prescribed burns, organizing and training local fire forces, and readiness and mobilization so agencies can respond when asked. The Secretary must encourage use of excess federal property for fire forces with help from the Administrator of General Services and try to coordinate efforts with the Secretary of Commerce. Congress allows whatever money is needed for most of these activities, and it specifically approves $70,000,000 each year for readiness and mobilization help. That $70,000,000 is split in half: one half for State foresters and related agencies (with at least $100,000 for each State) and one half for rural volunteer fire departments. The federal share of any funded activity cannot be more than 50 percent; states or local groups can match with cash, work, or in-kind help. A special rural fire disaster fund is set up in the Treasury for emergencies. That fund is available immediately to the Secretary to add to other money for rural fire disasters, but the Secretary must make sure State and local resources are or will be fully used first. Congress may appropriate money to start and refill this fund. Definitions: "rural volunteer fire department" — a not-for-profit department serving towns of 10,000 or fewer or rural areas, with at least 80 percent volunteer firefighters and state recognition. "Mobilization" — one firefighting group helping another that asks for help.