BRUSH Fires Act

This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive study within one year, assessing the effectiveness of various wildfire mitigation methods in shrubland ecosystems to reduce risk and damage to adjacent communities. The study will evaluate the effectiveness and longevity of hazardous fuels management activities , such as strategic fuel breaks, and practices for maintaining native ecosystem health, including mitigating invasive species. It will also examine Forest Service policies for limiting unintentional ember ignitions from public activities or infrastructure, and identify conditions under which mitigation methods are most effective. Furthermore, the study will pinpoint administrative, operational, and budgetary impediments to implementation, and assess the effectiveness of partnerships between the Forest Service and non-Federal entities in protecting structures from ember ignition. Upon completion, a public report will be submitted to Congress, summarizing findings, identifying best practices for land managers, and highlighting opportunities for improved coordination to enhance wildfire resilience in these ecosystems.