Bill > HR4852

This bill, called the Wildfire Emergency Preparedness Act of 2025, aims to enhance firefighting capabilities and support for structural firefighters responding to wildfires and wildland-urban interface fires. The bill establishes a comprehensive national training plan through the U.S. Forest Service to prepare firefighters for these specialized fire response scenarios, with input from multiple federal agencies. It creates a new position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Fire Coordination to improve coordination between federal, state, and local governments in fire preparedness and response. The bill also authorizes competitive grants for fire departments and emergency medical services to obtain protective equipment and training, with grant amounts varying based on the population served. Additionally, the legislation mandates research on firefighter health and safety, focusing on respiratory risks and exposure to harmful substances like PFAS, and requires the development of mental health support services for emergency responders. The bill includes provisions for potential Department of Defense firefighting assistance and requires a report to Congress on the current state of local fire service training and coordination. With authorized appropriations ranging from $5 million to $100 million across different programs, the bill seeks to comprehensively improve wildfire response capabilities and support for firefighters across the United States.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4852/all-info