H.R. 4852: Wildfire Emergency Preparedness Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Wildfire Emergency Preparedness Act of 2025, aims to enhance the readiness and ability of structural firefighters to respond to wildfires, particularly in areas where urban environments meet wildlands. The key components of the bill can be summarized as follows:

Training Plan and Grant Program

The bill mandates the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the Forest Service, to develop a national training plan for structural firefighters. This plan will be created within one year of enactment and will focus on firefighting techniques suited for:

• Wildfires
• Fires in wildland-urban interface areas

Additionally, the bill allows for grants to be awarded to nonprofit organizations that provide training services for firefighters, following specific guidelines outlined by the Secretary. Grant eligibility will be determined based on the entity's expertise in developing curricula and conducting training programs.

Coordination of Fire Operations

A position will be established within the Department of Agriculture called the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Fire Coordination. This role will be tasked with improving the coordination among federal, state, and local agencies regarding wildfire preparedness and response. The Under Secretary will also work with the Chief of the Forest Service to enhance the effectiveness of firefighting operations.

Engagement of National Organizations

The bill requires that representatives from labor organizations representing state and local firefighters are included in key councils, namely the Wildland Fire Leadership Council and the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. This aims to ensure that the voices of frontline firefighters are included in decision-making processes regarding wildfire management.

Support from Defense Department Firefighting Personnel

Firefighters from the Department of Defense can be authorized to assist in firefighting operations. If requested by qualified agency heads, these personnel can conduct operations related to wildfire response, with reimbursement provisions for the costs incurred as a result of their assistance.

Research on Firefighter Health and Safety

A focus on the health and safety of firefighters will be established through research and development programs aimed at:

• Protecting the respiratory health of firefighters during wildfire response
• Identifying harmful substances present in wildfire-affected areas and firefighting operations

This research program will also include consultations with various stakeholders, including labor organizations and equipment manufacturers.

Mental Health Assistance for First Responders

The bill includes provisions for mental health support for emergency responders, requiring task forces responding to incidents to include mental health practitioners. This measure is designed to address post-traumatic stress injuries and other mental health conditions among first responders.

Supplemental Assistance for Fire Departments

Grants will be available to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations to enhance the safety and health of both the public and firefighters. These grants can be used for:

• Purchasing personal protective equipment
• Training firefighting personnel

The maximum grant amounts will be determined based on the population served by the recipient organization.

Reporting Requirements

Lastly, the Under Secretary of Agriculture will need to report to Congress on the training capabilities of local fire service providers and assess the effectiveness of such training regarding wildfire response.

Relevant Companies

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