Military Support for Fighting Wildfires Act of 2023

Military Support for Fighting Wildfires Act of 2023

This bill addresses the role of the Department of Defense (DOD) in wildfire emergency response.

Specifically, the bill requires DOD to reimburse a state for the costs of fighting wildfires caused by DOD activities on state lands.

The bill also makes permanent the Fireguard Program, under which DOD may use members of the National Guard to help detect and monitor wildfires and support emergency response to such fires.

The bill updates provisions related to the transfer of certain aircraft from DOD and the Department of Homeland Security to other agencies for wildfire suppression and other related purposes.

Under the bill, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) within DOD may not require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or a federal land management agency to reimburse NGA for the use of resources for any request approved in relation to (1) a request made by the federal agency through the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), or (2) an area of federal land affected by extreme weather.

Further, reimbursement requirements under the Economy Act do not apply to DOD assistance provided to FEMA or a federal land management agency for requests made through the NIFC or those pertaining to an area covered by a declaration of a major disaster or emergency.

DOD must issue guidance for the use of unmanned aircraft systems by the National Guard for specified activities (e.g., emergency operations) in a manner no more restrictive than the use of other aircraft for such activities.

Bill 118 hr 1242, also known as the Military Support for Fighting Wildfires Act of 2023, aims to address the increasing threat of wildfires in the United States by allowing the military to provide support in fighting these natural disasters. The bill recognizes the need for additional resources and manpower to combat wildfires, which have become more frequent and severe in recent years.

Under this legislation, the Secretary of Defense is authorized to provide assistance to federal, state, and local agencies in responding to wildfires. This assistance may include the use of military personnel, equipment, and resources to help contain and extinguish fires. The bill also allows for the coordination of efforts between the military and civilian agencies to ensure a unified and effective response to wildfires.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of training and preparedness in responding to wildfires. It requires the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement training programs for military personnel to ensure they are equipped to assist in firefighting efforts. The bill also encourages collaboration between the military and civilian agencies in developing strategies for wildfire prevention and response. Overall, the Military Support for Fighting Wildfires Act of 2023 seeks to enhance the nation's ability to combat wildfires by leveraging the resources and expertise of the military. By allowing for greater coordination and cooperation between military and civilian agencies, the bill aims to improve the response to wildfires and better protect communities and natural resources from these devastating disasters.