What does Preamble of Western Wildfire Support Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled 'To improve Federal activities relating to wildfires, and for other purposes.'

What does DEFINITIONS. of Western Wildfire Support Act of 2025 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Congressional committees” refers to specific committees in the Senate (Energy and Natural Resources, Appropriations) and the House (Natural Resources, Appropriations). “Federal land” includes public lands, National Park System units, National Wildlife Refuge System units, land held in trust for Indian Tribes, and land within the National Forest System. A “fireshed” is defined as a forest landscape where a fire ignition could threaten homes, communities, or critical infrastructure. “National Forest System” has the meaning defined in the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. “Resource management plan” has the meaning defined in the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003. “Secretaries” refers to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture. “Secretary concerned” refers to the appropriate Secretary (Interior or Agriculture) based on the jurisdiction of the Federal land in question.

What does FIREFIGHTING ACCOUNT TRANSPARENCY. of Western Wildfire Support Act of 2025 do?

This section amends Section 104 of division O of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, concerning reporting requirements for Wildland Fire Management accounts. The annual reporting requirements are modified to report on obligated and expended amounts from Wildland Fire Management accounts, including those using emergency deficit control authority. The reporting now focuses on 'catastrophic wildfires' instead of a statistically significant sample of large fires. A 'catastrophic wildfire' is defined as an incident requiring federal resources, burning at least 100,000 acres, or 50,000 acres with high severity, or resulting in significant suppression costs, property damage, or fatalities. The reporting requirements now include detailed breakdowns of costs by ground operations, aircraft operations, personnel, support, and administrative costs. The Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture can determine other relevant factors for cost analysis.

What does REIMBURSEMENT FOR WILDFIRES CAUSED BY MILITARY TRAINING. of Western Wildfire Support Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes a process for reimbursing State agencies for fire suppression services. The Secretary of Defense is directed to seek reciprocal agreements with State agencies for mutual aid in fire suppression, referencing the Reciprocal Fire Protection Act of 1955. Reimbursements are provided for services related to fires caused by military training or other planned Department of Defense actions. Reimbursable services are limited to those directly attributable to the fire. State agencies must submit itemized requests for reimbursement, including associated costs. Reimbursements will be funded through Department of Defense operation and maintenance appropriations. Existing reciprocal agreements that meet the requirements of this section are considered agreements entered into under this Act.

What does STRATEGIC WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT PLANNING. of Western Wildfire Support Act of 2025 do?

This section requires the Secretary concerned to review existing spatial fire management policies for each fireshed on Federal land. New or revised policies must incorporate the best available science and planning tools and be issued by September 30, 2026. Spatial fire management policies must be routinely reviewed and updated, including within one year of a wildfire incident and at least once every 10 years. Policies must identify potential wildfire and smoke risks to first responders, communities, critical infrastructure, and high-value resources. Policies must be consistent with resource management plans and delineate potential wildland fire operational delineations, identifying potential wildfire control locations and risks to responders. The delineation of risks to responders must consider slope, hazardous fuels, and other known hazards. Policies must describe weather conditions that constitute severe fire weather conditions for the fireshed. The Secretary concerned can include other prefire planning provisions. When developing or revising resource management plans, the Secretary concerned should include an employee involved in developing spatial fire management policies for the fireshed.

What does STUDY AND REPORT ON INTEGRATING LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS INTO of Western Wildfire Support Act of 2025 do?

This section requires a study on training gaps for structural firefighters in high wildfire risk areas. The Secretary of Homeland Security, through the U.S. Fire Administration and in coordination with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, is responsible for conducting the study. A report detailing the study's results must be submitted to congressional committees within one year of the Act's enactment. The report must include a summary of coordination practices between federal and local firefighters. The report must analyze differences in response practices for single-structure fires versus community-threatening wildfires. The report should identify existing or missing training modules from the National Fire Academy for local firefighters responding to community wildfires. The report must include an estimated cost and spending plan to address any identified training gaps.

What does WILDFIRE DETECTION EQUIPMENT. of Western Wildfire Support Act of 2025 do?

This section directs the Secretary concerned to expedite the placement of wildfire detection equipment in at-risk areas. The Secretary is directed to expand the use of satellite data for wildfire detection and response. Permitting for the installation, maintenance, or removal of wildfire detection equipment is to be expedited. Unmanned aerial vehicles should be used to assess wildland fires in their early stages. The Secretary is to review permitting and procurement processes for wildfire detection equipment, considering modern technology. An annual forum is required for companies developing wildland fire technology to engage with fire managers.

What does SLIP-ON TANKER UNITS. of Western Wildfire Support Act of 2025 do?

This section amends Section 40803(c)(5) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to include Indian Tribes as eligible recipients of financial assistance for firefighting slip-on tanker units. The Secretary of the Interior must submit an annual report to congressional committees on the implementation of the slip-on tanker unit program. The report must include the number of slip-on tanker units purchased, requests for assistance received, and any barriers to participation by local governments and Indian Tribes. The initial report is due by October 1, 2026, and the reporting requirement expires on October 1, 2028. The Secretaries (unspecified) must coordinate to develop guidance for mobilizing slip-on tanker units for wildfire response. Mobilized slip-on tanker units should be incorporated into resource tracking systems where practicable. Collaboration with the U.S. Fire Administration is required for operator training.

What does RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM FIRE of Western Wildfire Support Act of 2025 do?

This section defines 'unmanned aircraft system' as an unmanned aircraft and associated elements required for safe and efficient operation. The Secretaries, through the Joint Fire Science Program, are directed to collaborate with universities and research institutions to conduct research and development on wildfire response applications of unmanned aircraft systems. The Secretaries may coordinate with the FAA Administrator to test developed unmanned aircraft systems at unmanned aircraft test ranges. Appropriations are authorized to the Secretaries to carry out the activities outlined in this section.

What does STUDY ON DRONE INCURSIONS ON WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION. of Western Wildfire Support Act of 2025 do?

This section requires a study on the effects of drone incursions on wildfire suppression. The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration will conduct the study, consulting with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture. The study must determine the number of drone incursion occurrences and their estimated effect on wildfire suppression time, aerial firefighting response delays, and federal government expenditures for the five most recent calendar years. The study will also evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of actions to prevent drone incursions, including counter-drone technology, use of force, and educational materials. A report detailing the study's findings and recommendations must be submitted to congressional committees within 18 months of the Act's enactment.

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Western Wildfire Support Act of 2025

Last updated: 12/1/2025 · Introduced: 10/17/2025

Author: Joe Neguse (D-CO)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends reporting requirements for wildfire management accounts, focusing on catastrophic wildfires and providing detailed cost breakdowns.
It establishes a reimbursement process for State agencies providing fire suppression services related to fires caused by military training activities.
The bill mandates reviews and updates of spatial fire management policies for each fireshed on federal land, incorporating best available science and identifying responder risks.
It directs the expedited placement of wildfire detection equipment and expands the use of satellite data for detection and response.
The bill establishes a Long-Term Burned Area Rehabilitation account, authorizing up to $100 million annually to fund ecosystem restoration and infrastructure repair on federal lands impacted by wildfire.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 6618(Passed House)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, definitions..

2 sections

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TITLE I

-PREPARATION

4 sections

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TITLE II

-WILDFIRE DETECTION AND SUPPRESSION SUPPORT

5 sections

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TITLE III

-POST-FIRE RECOVERY SUPPORT

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