By Tiffany Taylor
The 2025 U.S. Congressional session is seeing a surge of legislation aimed at improving wildfire management, many closely aligning with the recommendations of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission.
From modernizing aerial firefighting to streamlining forest management, these bills offer concrete steps toward a more effective and resilient wildfire response system.
The United Aerial Firefighting Association (UAFA) is actively tracking these legislative developments, advocating for policies that support the aerial firefighting industry and enhance wildfire response capabilities.
The Western Wildfire Support Act (S. 91), sponsored by Senator Cortez-Masto (D-NV) and co-sponsored by Senator Sheehy (R-MT), advances key priorities outlined by the Commission, including improved detection systems, enhanced interagency coordination, and innovative prize competitions for technological advancement in wildfire response. UAFA believes that these initiatives are crucial for improving wildfire response effectiveness and supports the bill's provisions. “Enhanced detection systems leveraging advanced technologies will facilitate improved interagency coordination and significantly boost our wildfire response capabilities," said Jordan Hahn, CEO of Overwatch Aero.
Another important bill is the Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 471), which has already passed the House. This act addresses key aspects of forest management reform, including new categorical exclusions and expanded good neighbor authority programs. UAFA is actively working to strengthen the Senate version by adding provisions for multi-year contracts (up to 10 years) for wildland fire management services. This aligns with the Commission's emphasis on workforce retention and resource availability and will provide greater stability and predictability for aerial firefighting contractors. "Multi-year contracts will provide the stability needed for effective wildfire management," stated Brett L’Esperance, CEO of Dauntless Air.
A draft bill circulating in Congress aims to directly implement the Commission's recommendations by establishing standardized response times and unified command structures for wildfire incidents. "Standardized response times are essential for improving our wildfire response efficiency," stressed Paul Petersen, UAFA's Executive Director. "UAFA will provide Congress with critical data on aircraft capabilities, operational constraints, and regional considerations to ensure any new standards enhance rather than hinder effective response."
Originally introduced by Representative LaMalfa (R-CA) in the last session, the bi-partisan Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act offers a practical solution to challenges with aerial fire retardant permits. The likely Transportation & Infrastructure version provides a five-year framework that balances operational effectiveness with environmental oversight, as recommended by the Commission.
Alignment between the Commission's recommendations and legislative action presents a promising path forward for meaningful wildfire management reform. "With strong bipartisan support for wildfire legislation and recent events highlighting the urgent need for action, we're optimistic about achieving substantial improvements in our country's wildfire prevention, protection and response," said Tiffany Taylor, UAFA's Senior Policy Director. However, continued industry engagement is vital to ensure these bills maintain their effectiveness as they progress through the legislative process. UAFA members will be actively engaging with legislators and their staff on Capitol Hill in February to provide valuable insights and perspectives on the impact of these bills on aerial firefighters and the industry.
For more information about future UAFA events or membership, contact membership@uafa.org or visit uafa.org/contact
