Sheehy, Cantwell Bipartisan Fire Ready Nation Act Passes Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Press Release from Senator Tim Sheehy’s office

Screenshot from Senator Tim Sheehy’s official Senate website

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy today issued the following statement after the Fire Ready Nation Act, establishing the Fire Weather Services program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to improve wildfire response, passed the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee by voice vote. Senator Sheehy is a lead cosponsor on this legislation with Senator Maria Cantwell (D – Wash.).

“The Palisades Fires showed the country what so many of us in the wildland firefighting industry have known for years: our federal wildland firefighting system is in serious need of reform. As a water-bomber pilot, I’ve seen firsthand the unimaginable devastation these disasters can cause, and I know we have a lot of work to do to ensure our government is able to respond quickly, effectively, and ensure we protect our people against the year-round threat of catastrophic wildfires. The Fire Ready Nation Act is an important first step in that mission, and I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Commerce committee for giving it their support.” said Senator Sheehy.

Background

The Fire Ready Nation Act would establish the Fire Weather Services program at NOAA to help prevent, forecast, and fight wildfires. This legislation authorizes funding for NOAA to obtain new technologies to better forecast weather conditions that cause and impact wildfires, increasing our capacity to respond quickly when they occur.

NOAA already plays a major role in wildfire preparedness and response; however, it currently has no defined authority in the law for its wildfire services. Establishing clear responsibility and authority is essential to prevent shifting responsibility and finger-pointing between agencies in the midst of these natural disasters.