What does Preamble of HR 4852 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To increase the preparation of structural firefighters to assist in wildfire and wildland-urban interface fire response efforts and the coordination of firefighting teams across all levels of government, and for other purposes,' aims to enhance the readiness of structural firefighters for wildfire and wildland-urban interface fire responses. The bill seeks to improve coordination of firefighting teams across different governmental levels. The bill was introduced by Mr. Harder of California and Mr. Valadao.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 4852 do?

This bill is formally titled the Wildfire Emergency Preparedness Act of 2025.

What does TRAINING PLAN AND GRANT PROGRAM UNDER THE UNITED STATES FOREST of HR 4852 do?

This section establishes a National Training Plan for structural firefighters to respond to wildfire and wildland-urban interface fires. The Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the Forest Service, is responsible for publishing the plan within one year of the Act's enactment, consulting with specified entities. The training plan must include guidelines for a curriculum incorporating materials from the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control and the National Wildlife Coordinating Group. The Secretary of Agriculture may award competitive grants to eligible nonprofit organizations to develop and implement training programs for structural firefighters that adhere to the plan and guidelines. Eligible entities must demonstrate experience in curriculum development, training delivery, and collaboration on firefighter safety research. Applications for grants require certification of consultation with state and local fire service agencies, volunteer firefighters, building code officials, and researchers. A total of $5,000,000 is authorized for appropriation annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2031 to carry out this section. Up to 2.5% of the authorized appropriation may be used for technical assistance.

What does COORDINATION OF WILDFIRE AND WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE FIRE of HR 4852 do?

This section establishes an Under Secretary of Agriculture for Fire Coordination, appointed by the President with Senate consent. The Under Secretary advises the Secretary of Agriculture on coordinating Federal, State, and local governments in preparing for and responding to wildfires and wildland-urban interface fires. The Under Secretary coordinates with the Chief of the Forest Service to improve firefighting effectiveness and advise on coordination efforts. The Under Secretary may perform other duties as required by law or prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Within 60 days of enactment, the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior must ensure a representative of a national labor organization representing State and local firefighters is a member of the Wildland Fire Leadership Council and the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior may allow the same representative to be a member of both the Wildland Fire Leadership Council and the National Wildfire Coordinating Group simultaneously.

What does DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FIREFIGHTING PERSONNEL. of HR 4852 do?

This section allows the Secretary of Defense to authorize Department of Defense firefighters to assist with wildfire or wildland-urban interface fire operations upon request from a qualified agency head. Qualified agency heads are required to reimburse the Secretary of Defense for the costs of these services, with rates determined by the Secretaries of Defense, Agriculture, and Interior. The Secretary of Defense must report to Congress on any financial and logistical barriers to conducting these operations or providing assistance. The 'appropriate congressional committees' include specific committees in both the House and Senate related to agriculture, natural resources, science, and homeland security. A 'qualified agency head' includes the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior, as well as the head of any other relevant agency determined by the Secretary of Defense.

What does FIREFIGHTER HEALTH AND SAFETY RESEARCH IN THE NATIONAL of HR 4852 do?

This section amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to establish a program of firefighter health and safety research within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The Director of NIOSH is directed to conduct research and development to protect the respiratory health of firefighters responding to wildfires and wildland-urban interface fires. The research program also focuses on identifying and measuring PFAS and other carcinogens in areas affected by wildfires, firefighting operations, protective equipment, and other settings determined by the Director. The Director must consult with various stakeholders, including the United States Fire Administration, the Secretary of Agriculture, firefighter representatives, industry stakeholders, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Director is required to submit reports to Congress within 180 days of enactment and annually thereafter, detailing the program's progress and research findings. The section authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2031 to carry out the research program. The 'appropriate congressional committees' are defined as the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.

What does MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE FOR FIRST RESPONDERS. of HR 4852 do?

This section amends Section 327(d) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. It modifies existing language regarding Administration to Administrator and adds a subject to paragraph (4) clause. It establishes criteria for mental health assistance, requiring task forces with first responders to include mental health practitioners. The criteria mandate training for task force members in peer mental health support services. These peer support services must include identifying warning signs of post-traumatic stress, recognizing behavioral health symptoms, applying de-escalation methods, and referring to mental health practitioners. The Administrator is authorized to consult with nonprofit organizations and provide grants for training. Up to $10,000,000 may be obligated and expended annually from 2026 through 2031 to implement this paragraph.

What does SUPPLEMENTAL FIREFIGHTER ASSISTANCE. of HR 4852 do?

This section establishes a grant program to provide supplemental assistance to fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations. The Secretary of Agriculture, through the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Fire Coordination, is authorized to award grants on a competitive basis. Grants are intended to protect the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel against fire-related hazards. Eligible recipients include fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations as defined in the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974. Grant amounts are capped based on the population served by the recipient, ranging from $1,000,000 to $9,000,000 annually. Generally, grant amounts cannot exceed one percent of available grant funds, but the Secretary can waive this limitation for recipients with extraordinary needs. Grant funds can be used to obtain personal protective equipment and to train firefighting personnel in responding to wildfires and wildland-urban interface fires. The section authorizes $100,000,000 for grants in fiscal year 2026.

What does REPORT TO CONGRESS ON OPERATIONS INVOLVING WILDFIRES AND FIRES of HR 4852 do?

This section requires the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Fire Coordination to submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment. The report must contain information regarding the extent and effectiveness of training provided to local fire service providers for wildfires and fires in the wildland-urban interface. The report must also identify obstacles preventing coordination as described in section 3(a)(2)(A), using case studies. The 'appropriate congressional committees' are defined as specific committees in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

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Wildfire Emergency Preparedness Act of 2025 — HR. 4852

Last updated: 8/2/2025 · Introduced: 8/1/2025

Author: Josh Harder (D-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes a National Training Plan for structural firefighters to improve their readiness for wildfire and wildland-urban interface fire responses, with competitive grants available to support training program development.
It creates an Under Secretary of Agriculture for Fire Coordination to enhance collaboration between federal, state, and local governments in wildfire preparedness and response.
The bill allows the Department of Defense to provide firefighting assistance upon request, with reimbursement for costs determined by relevant agencies.
It mandates a research program within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to investigate firefighter health and safety risks, particularly respiratory health and exposure to carcinogens.
The bill expands mental health assistance for first responders by establishing criteria for task forces and requiring training in peer support services.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 7 more.

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