A bipartisan group of lawmakers in both chambers of Congress has reintroduced the National Prescribed Fire Act to expand the use of controlled burns on public and private lands to reduce the severity of catastrophic wildfires.

Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Ted Budd, R-N.C., are leading the effort in the Senate, with Reps. Kim Schrier, D-Wash., and David Valadao, R-Calif., introducing companion legislation in the House. The bill comes as the nation braces for what is expected to be another intense fire season, after nearly 9 million acres burned in 2024.

“We can no longer wait for disaster to strike before we address these fires destroying our neighborhoods and even taking people’s lives,” said Wyden in a statement. “Our bipartisan, bicameral bill will tackle wildfires head-on by focusing on prevention to get the West out of the cycle of crisis and devastation every wildfire season.”

Boosting burn capacity and workforce training

The bill would require federal land agencies to increase the use of prescribed fire by 10% annually, with a goal of reaching at least 1 million acres treated per year. It would also create dedicated funding for prescribed fire operations under both the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior.

A key provision would allow prescribed burns to be conducted year-round, especially in winter and early spring when conditions are safer and smoke impacts are lower. The bill also seeks to address permitting delays by providing air quality management tools to state and federal agencies.

In addition, the legislation calls for building a new workforce to carry out the burns, including partnerships with tribal nations, local fire departments and conservation groups. Grants would support training programs targeting underserved communities, military veterans and formerly incarcerated individuals.

Valadao, who represents a Central Valley district with a history of severe fires, said the bill would help reduce fuel loads and protect farmland.

“In California, we understand the dangerous impact of wildfires — from damage to property to loss of life,” he said. “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.”

Support from conservation and ag groups

The bill has earned endorsements from a wide range of organizations, including the Nature Conservancy, National Association of State Foresters and several tribal fire councils. Agricultural groups in California and the Pacific Northwest have also signaled support, viewing prescribed burns as a necessary land management practice to prevent damage to rangelands and watersheds.

The measure was originally introduced in 2021 and again in 2024 but failed to advance out of committee. With growing concern over wildfire costs and smoke impacts on public health, lawmakers are hoping this latest version will gain traction before peak fire season.

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