National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025
Rep. Schrier and Rep. Valadao Push Bipartisan Bill to Increase Controlled Burns by 10% Each Year
The National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025 is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been sent to three different House committees for review and is waiting for further action. The bill is considered active but has not yet been scheduled for a vote.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- The bill requires a 10% annual increase in prescribed fire acreage on federal land for 10 years. This ramp-up is designed to reduce the buildup of dead wood and brush that fuels catastrophic wildfires across the country.
From policy text
“the Secretaries shall conduct prescribed fires on Federal land such that the total acreage of Federal land on which prescribed fires are conducted is 10 percent greater than the total acreage of all Federal land on which prescribed fires were conducted during the preceding fiscal year”
View in full text - Federal employees working on controlled burns would receive hazard pay. The bill also creates pathways for veterans and formerly incarcerated firefighters to build careers in prescribed fire work.
From policy text
“Each Federal employee in any classification series, as identified by the Secretaries, shall be entitled to be paid the appropriate differential under subsection (d) of section 5545 of title 5, United States Code”
View in full text - The bill formally recognizes and supports cultural burning practices of Native American Tribes, including funding for an Indigenous-led prescribed fire and cultural burning training center.
From policy text
“support the establishment of an Indigenous-led prescribed fire and cultural burning training center operated by an Indian Tribe or partnership of Indian Tribes”
View in full text - A new Collaborative Prescribed Fire Program would fund up to 20 large-scale projects per year, with a cap of $20 million total and $1 million per project annually, running through 2034.
From policy text
“The Secretary concerned shall not provide more than $20,000,000 in total funding for projects under the program in any fiscal year”
View in full text - Non-federal contractors and partners helping with burns on federal land would be treated as federal employees for liability purposes, removing a major barrier that has discouraged outside participation in prescribed fire work.
From policy text
“a covered entity shall be considered to be an employee of the Federal Government for purposes of chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code (commonly known as the ``Federal Tort Claims Act''), while that covered entity is engaged in covered activities”
View in full text - New research on smoke prediction and public health protections is required, with the EPA coordinating with state and tribal air quality agencies to manage smoke impacts on nearby communities.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Related News
3 articles
Lawmakers reintroduce prescribed burning bill to tackle wildfire threats
A bipartisan group of lawmakers reintroduced the National Prescribed Fire Act to expand controlled burns. The bill requires federal agencies to increase treated acreage by 10% annually and supports workforce development for veterans and formerly incarcerated individuals with fire experience.
Budd Introduces National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025
Sen. Ted Budd and colleagues introduced legislation to reduce catastrophic wildfire risk through hazardous fuels management. The bill mandates a 10% annual increase in federal prescribed fire acreage and streamlines permitting for winter burns to prevent summer smoke crises.
Trump Image Backlash, JetZero Investment, and Budd Fire Bill
U.S. Senator Ted Budd has introduced the National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025 as a strategic measure to improve wildfire prevention. The bill focuses on expanding the use of controlled burns to manage underbrush and protect forests from catastrophic summer fires.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(2)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.