Fire Plan STUNS Agencies—Deadline Looms

Bipartisan legislators are taking aim at America’s wildfire crisis with a bold new approach: the National Prescribed Fire Act, a tactical deployment of controlled burns that could save taxpayers billions while protecting American lands from devastating infernos.

Key Takeaways

• The National Prescribed Fire Act would require federal agencies to increase prescribed burns by 10% annually, targeting at least 1 million acres treated per year
• The bipartisan legislation authorizes $300 million for controlled burns and establishes a comprehensive workforce development program
• The bill would allow year-round prescribed burns, focusing on safer conditions during winter and early spring months
• Streamlined permitting processes and new smoke management tools aim to reduce bureaucratic delays that currently hamper wildfire prevention efforts
• Previous versions of this legislation failed to advance out of committee in 2021 and 2024, despite growing wildfire threats to American communities

A Conservative Approach to Forest Management

The National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025 represents a practical, common-sense approach to managing America’s forests and preventing the catastrophic wildfires that have devastated Western states in recent years. Led by Senators Ron Wyden and Ted Budd, along with Representatives Kim Schrier and David Valadao, this bipartisan initiative focuses on prevention rather than the enormously expensive emergency response model that has drained taxpayer resources for decades. By utilizing controlled burns during cooler, wetter months, the legislation would address fuel buildup that leads to uncontrollable summer infernos.

“It’s no secret that rising temperatures and increased drought are leading to more and more wildfires, and firefighters are struggling to keep up as they put their lives on the line. We can no longer wait for disaster to strike before we address these fires destroying our neighborhoods and even taking people’s lives,” said Senator Wyden in a statement.

The focus on prescribed burns aligns with traditional land management practices that prioritize prevention and stewardship over reactive, emergency-focused approaches. The legislation would require federal land agencies to increase prescribed fire use by 10% annually with a target of treating at least one million acres per year – a scale necessary to make meaningful progress against wildfire threats that have grown increasingly severe and costly to American taxpayers.

Building a Skilled Workforce and Cutting Red Tape

One of the most promising aspects of the National Prescribed Fire Act is its emphasis on building a skilled workforce specifically trained for prescribed burns. The bill establishes partnerships with tribal nations, local fire departments, and conservation organizations to develop a specialized workforce capable of safely implementing controlled burns. This approach recognizes the expertise of local communities and tribal nations who have historically used controlled burns as an effective land management practice, before misguided federal policies suppressed these traditional techniques.

“Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, thousands of acres of North Carolina forest were left destroyed. Now, these downed trees and piles of leaves represent a serious wildfire risk,” said Senator Budd.

The legislation directly addresses bureaucratic hurdles that have hampered effective forest management. Current permitting processes often delay prescribed burns until conditions become too dangerous, creating a vicious cycle where preventative measures become impossible to implement. The bill provides air quality management tools to state and federal agencies, allowing them to coordinate more effectively and conduct burns during optimal conditions rather than being trapped in paperwork delays.

Economic and Safety Benefits

The $300 million authorized by the bill represents a fraction of what taxpayers currently spend on emergency wildfire response and recovery. By investing in prevention, the legislation could save billions in firefighting costs, property damage, insurance claims, and healthcare expenses related to smoke inhalation. This fiscally responsible approach recognizes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – especially when it comes to devastating wildfires that threaten American lives and property.

“In California, we understand the dangerous impact of wildfires — from damage to property to loss of life,” said Representative Valadao. “By prescribing controlled burns to fire-adapted land in a safe and supervised way, we can limit dangerous fuel buildup and help reduce the threat of future wildfires.”

The legislation has garnered support from a broad coalition including Tall Timbers, The Nature Conservancy, and agricultural groups across California and the Pacific Northwest. These organizations recognize that prescribed burns represent a time-tested, scientifically sound approach to reducing wildfire threats. With President Trump’s administration focused on practical solutions to real problems facing American communities, this bipartisan effort provides a framework for addressing wildfire risks through responsible land management rather than endless emergency spending.