Strengthening Wildfire Response: Faster Detection, Better Planning, and Post-Disaster Aid
This Act boosts federal capacity to combat wildfires by focusing on modern detection technology (drones, sensors) and strategic planning. For citizens, this implies increased safety and dedicated funds for long-term ecosystem and infrastructure recovery after a fire. It also authorizes funding for states to create websites with information on available post-disaster assistance.
Key points
Increased funding transparency and detailed reporting on expenditures for fighting catastrophic wildfires.
Establishment of permanent Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Teams for immediate hazard removal and erosion control after a fire is contained.
Expediting the deployment of advanced detection equipment (sensors, cameras, satellite data) and using drones for initial fire assessment.
Financial assistance for local governments and Indian Tribes to acquire specialized equipment (slip-on tanks) and a study on how private drones interfere with suppression efforts.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_1764
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Process start date: 2023-05-31