H.R. 3889: National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025

The National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025 aims to enhance the use of prescribed fire on federal lands, which is a management practice where fire is intentionally set under controlled conditions to improve forest health and reduce fuel for uncontrolled wildfires. The act specifically mandates the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to take charge of this initiative. Below are the key components of the bill:

Promotion of Prescribed Fire

The bill requires the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to actively promote the use of prescribed burning techniques on federal lands. This approach not only aims to improve land management but also seeks to integrate traditional Indigenous practices related to fire management.

Collaboration and Funding

To enforce the bill, the Secretaries must collaborate with various stakeholders, including Indigenous communities. To support these efforts, the legislation establishes a structure for:

• Funding: The Secretaries are required to request funding annually to reimburse the U.S. Treasury for any claims paid in the previous fiscal year related to the use of prescribed fire.
• Training: The act allocates resources for training personnel in prescribed fire techniques and ecological management.
• Reporting: A framework is to be established for reporting on the outcomes and effectiveness of prescribed fire practices.

Public Education Program

The bill also introduces a national education program aimed at raising public awareness about the benefits and safety of prescribed fire. This program is intended to inform communities about fire management practices and how they can contribute to land health and wildfire prevention.

Legal Framework

Additionally, the legislation clarifies that the actions taken under this act do not affect the existing immunity protections for federal employees or alter the Federal Tort Claims Act. This ensures that federal employees involved in prescribed burning operations will maintain their legal protections while executing their duties.

Funding Requests

Every year, the Secretaries will be responsible for submitting requests for the necessary funds, which will help sustain the prescribed fire operations and management activities across federal lands.

Relevant Companies

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