Western Wildfire Support Act of 2025

The Western Wildfire Support Act of 2025 aims to comprehensively improve federal activities related to wildfires, spanning preparation, detection, suppression, and post-fire recovery. In terms of preparation , the bill mandates increased transparency for federal firefighting accounts, requiring detailed annual reports on expenditures, especially for catastrophic wildfires. It also directs the Department of Defense to seek reciprocal agreements with states for reimbursing fire suppression services caused by military training, and requires the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to review and update strategic wildland fire management policies for firesheds, incorporating the latest science and identifying risks. Additionally, it calls for a study by the Department of Homeland Security on integrating local firefighters into wildfire response, focusing on training gaps and coordination practices. For wildfire detection and suppression support , the bill directs the expedited placement of advanced detection equipment like sensors and cameras, and expands the use of satellite data. It promotes research and development of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for wildfire applications and mandates a study on the impact of drone incursions on suppression efforts. Another study will assess modernizing wildfire response technologies, including radio communications, real-time situational awareness tools, and predictive modeling. The Act also expands financial assistance for local governments and Indian Tribes to acquire slip-on tanker units for firefighting, along with guidance for their mobilization and training. Finally, for post-fire recovery support , the bill amends the Stafford Act to allow FEMA to fund state agencies for online guides providing post-disaster assistance information and mitigation strategies. It establishes permanent Burned Area Emergency Response Teams (BAER Teams) for immediate stabilization and hazard removal. A significant provision creates a new Long-Term Burned Area Rehabilitation account for the Department of Agriculture, authorizing up to $100 million annually for ecosystem restoration and infrastructure repair projects. The bill also establishes the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize to incentivize technological innovation for managing wildfire-related invasive species, recognizing their impact on post-fire landscapes.