FIRE Act of 2025
FIRE Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# FIRE Act of 2025 Summary **What the bill would do:** The FIRE Act directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to create new programs focused on improving wildfire forecasting and detection. Specifically, NOAA would establish research testbeds—collaborative spaces where scientists, forecasters, and industry partners work together—to develop better wildfire prediction tools. The bill also authorizes a separate program to develop and test advanced forecasting methods, including satellite detection systems, fuel moisture monitoring, and fire modeling technology, with the goal of reducing wildfire injuries, deaths, and property damage. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects NOAA and its ability to conduct research.
Indirectly, it could benefit the general public, particularly people living in wildfire-prone areas, emergency management officials, and communities that depend on accurate fire forecasts for evacuation planning and preparedness. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (HR 753, 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House. It was sponsored by Rep. Judy Chu, a Democrat from California.
CRS Official Summary
Fire Information and Reaction Enhancement Act of 2025 or the FIRE Act of 2025This bill establishes certain programs to improve wildfire forecasting and detection within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).Specifically, NOAA is directed to establish one or more weather research testbeds with industry and academic partners. (Testbeds are collaborative spaces where researchers and forecasters work together to integrate new observation systems into models, test and streamline data assimilation methods, and otherwise improve weather products and services for the benefit of the public.)Further, NOAA is directed to establish an additional program to develop and extend accurate wildfire forecasts and warnings in order to reduce injury, loss of life, and property damage. Through this program, NOAA may develop, test, and deploy satellite detection, fuel moisture and danger assessments, and atmosphere and fire modeling, among other tools.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.