Fire Ready Nation Act of 2025
Fire Ready Nation Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Fire Ready Nation Act of 2025 - Summary **What It Does:** This bill strengthens the federal government's ability to predict and prepare for wildfires by giving official authority to NOAA's wildfire response services and creating new programs. Specifically, it directs NOAA to establish a coordinated fire weather forecasting program, create online tools to share fire-related data and information with the public, set up a testing center ("fire weather test bed") to develop and evaluate new forecasting technologies including drone use for data collection, and conduct annual reviews to identify gaps in fire prediction and response. **Who It Affects:** The bill benefits wildfire-prone communities, emergency responders, firefighters, state and local governments, researchers, and the general public—particularly those in the West and other regions vulnerable to wildfires.
It also affects NOAA, which receives expanded responsibilities and authority to coordinate fire-related services across agencies. **Current Status:** The bill has passed the Senate and is now moving through the legislative process. It addresses growing concerns about wildfire preparedness and the need for better forecasting tools to help communities and first responders prepare for fire season and related hazards like post-fire flooding.
CRS Official Summary
Fire Ready Nation Act of 2025This bill provides statutory authority for existing wildfire response services of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and establishes new programs and collaborative efforts to improve fire forecasting and readiness. Specifically, in addition to other efforts, the bill directs NOAA to establish a coordinated fire weather services program to support readiness for and responsiveness to wildfires, fire weather, smoke, post-fire flooding and debris, and related hazards;develop a digital presence to promote access to and use of the services, tools, data, and information produced by the fire weather services program;establish a fire weather test bed to facilitate the evaluation and implementation of new capabilities, including through research and development on the use of uncrewed aircraft systems (commonly known as drones) to improve data collection;conduct an annual assessment after the close of fire weather season to investigate data gaps and update systems as needed;evaluate and update, as appropriate, the Automated Surface Observing System (the primary surface weather network in the United States) and the system used to rate the risk of wildfire; andestablish an Incident Meteorologist Service within the National Weather Service to provide on-site support before, during, and after significant weather-related events.The bill also exempts federal wildland firefighters, fire management response officials, and accompanying incident meteorologists and management teams from certain premium pay limitations. Finally, the bill directs the Government Accountability Office to evaluate and report on the implementation of the fire weather services program, among other topics.
Latest Action
Held at the desk.