Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Strengthen Forest Health and Reduce Wildfire Risk

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025, which would enhance forest health and lower the risk posed by catastrophic wildfires by investing in prescribed fire to manage underbrush. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this bill by Representative David Valadao (CA-22). A companion bill in the United States Senate is being led by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Ted Budd (R-NC). 

“Here in Washington State, we experience devastating wildfires every year.  That’s why Congress must act now and address this issue,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “My bill, the National Prescribed Fire Act, expands the use of prescribed fire to lower the risk of catastrophic wildfires.”

Wildfire season in all of the Western states has become increasingly severe. One example is the Bolt Creek Fire, which burned thousands of acres in the Eighth District. Prescribed fire is an effective, underutilized method of forest management that helps prevent catastrophic wildfires. 

The National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025 would:

• Dedicate funding for the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to plan, prepare, and conduct prescribed burns on federal, state, and private lands.
• Require the Forest Service and Department of Interior to increase the number of acres treated with prescribed fire.
• Establish a new collaborative program to implement prescribed burns on county, state and private land at high risk of burning in a wildfire.
• Establish a workforce development program at the Forest Service and DOI to develop, train, and hire prescribed fire practitioners, and establishes employment programs for Tribes, veterans, underutilized employees, and those formerly incarcerated.
• Facilitate coordination between land managers and state, tribal, and local air quality agencies to use current laws and regulations to allow larger prescribed burns, and give states more flexibility in winter months to conduct prescribed burns that reduce catastrophic smoke events in the summer

“In California, we understand the dangerous impact of wildfires—from damage to property to loss of life,” said Congressman 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. I’m proud to join my colleagues in re-introducing this bipartisan bill to protect our communities from wildfire risk.”

“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,” said Senator Wyden. “We can no longer wait for disaster to strike before we address these fires destroying our neighborhoods and even taking people’s lives. I have heard firsthand from Oregonians who are sick and tired of inaction while the West burns. 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.”  

“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. “By enabling the Forest Service to better conduct controlled burns of unchecked vegetation and scattered debris, we can protect our forests from catastrophic wildfires that may occur in the hottest months of the year. I am proud to join my colleague, Sen. Wyden, in introducing this common-sense, proactive approach to preventing disastrous wildfires.” 

"Prescribed fire is critically important for building resilience to wildfire across America's public lands,” said Jamie Ervin, Senior Policy Manager, Outdoor Alliance. “The National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025 will help increase the pace and scale of this underused tool to a level commensurate with the wildfire crisis. Outdoor Alliance commends Senator Wyden, Senator Budd, and Representative Schrier and Valadao for their work on this important legislation."

“Beneficial fire, including prescribed fire, has historically been an underused and under-resourced tool for promoting fire-resilient landscapes, despite being among the most cost-effective land management strategies available. The National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025 would enable greater prescribed fire utilization by supporting workforce development and training for prescribed fire practitioners,” said Marek Smith, North America Fire Director for The Nature Conservancy. “It would also establish clear liability standards for non-federal partners engaged in essential cross-boundary mitigation work. We commend Representatives Schrier and Valadao for working to equip land managers with what they need to protect our communities and treasured landscapes." 

“Prescribed fire is critical for maintaining healthy forests and protecting our communities from the threat of wildfire,” said National Association of State Foresters President Patty Cormier. “State Foresters applaud the bipartisan efforts of Representatives Schrier and Valadao to ensure this important forest management tool remains in the toolbox while eliminating several key barriers to safely and responsibly expanding its use across the nation’s forest landscapes.”

“Prescribed and cultural burning are the most effective, yet underutilized tools to address the nation's wildfire crisis,” said Dylan Kruse, President of Sustainable Northwest. “This bill proposes comprehensive and practical solutions to increase safe use of beneficial fire to restore forest health, protect communities, and reduce the risk of mega-fires. Congress should act to pass it immediately.”

For more information on the legislation, click the links for a one pager and a section by section summary of the bill. 

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