Congress Must Act Now to Combat Wildfire Crisis and Protect Vulnerable Communities

As wildfires continue to wreak havoc across the United States, the urgency for legislative action to mitigate their impacts has never been more pressing. Over the past year, nearly 50,000 wildfires have scorched more than 8 million acres, according to data from the National Interagency Fire Center. This alarming statistic underscores a persistent trend: wildfires that were once limited to remote areas are now threatening urban communities and places previously considered safe. California, the epicenter of this wildfire crisis, is experiencing a staggering increase in fire risk. The state is home to approximately 1.3 million homes classified as high-risk for wildfires. Between 2011 and 2020, more than 10,000 new homes were constructed in these vulnerable areas, exacerbating the situation. The financial ramifications are profound, with global wildfire losses surpassing $60 billion over the last decade, a figure that has risen dramatically due to the accumulation of expensive assets in high-risk regions. The broader implications of this crisis are daunting. By 2050, about 80 million properties, affecting one in six Americans, are projected to face some level of wildfire threat, as estimated by the First Street Foundation. Furthermore, the dangers of wildfires extend beyond the flames; areas that have burned are often at increased risk for flooding and debris flows in the aftermath, posing additional threats to local communities. In response to this escalating crisis, Congress created the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission in 2021. This body, comprising diverse stakeholders from federal, state, local, and tribal sectors, was charged with developing strategies to enhance community resilience against wildfires. Their final report, presented to Congress last year, outlined a comprehensive plan that highlights the necessity of proactive planning, risk reduction, and investment in workforce development to combat the growing threat of wildfires. Despite bipartisan efforts in Congress to advance legislation aligned with the Commission’s recommendations, more decisive action is required during the current lame-duck session. Among the pivotal pieces of legislation is the Fix Our Forests Act, spearheaded by House Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman and Rep. Scott Peters. This bill aims to accelerate forest management initiatives and establish a Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Program to better coordinate efforts across federal agencies, ultimately reducing wildfire risks in vulnerable areas. Simultaneously, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is working on a bipartisan package of forest management bills, with The Promoting Effective Forest Management Act being a focal point. These legislative efforts reflect a growing recognition that enhancing forest management is critical in the fight against wildfires. Another vital area of focus is improving wildfire prediction and weather forecasting. The Fire Weather Development Act, introduced by Rep. Mike Garcia and Rep. Yadira Caraveo, seeks to enhance the accuracy of fire weather forecasts. Complementing this initiative, the Fire Ready Nation Act, led by Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell and Ranking Member Ted Cruz, aims to establish a fire weather services program within NOAA to enhance communication and forecasting tools related to wildfire risks. The time to act is now. The current lame-duck session presents a rare opportunity for Congress to pass these critical, bipartisan measures that could save lives, protect property, and preserve the environment from the ravaging effects of wildfires. The stakes are exceptionally high, and the consequences of inaction could be catastrophic. Congress must prioritize these legislative efforts, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for communities across the nation.