Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2023

Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2023

This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to discharge a fire retardant, a chemical, or water for fire suppression, control, or prevention activities.

No National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit shall be required for such activities or for similar activities conducted by the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a state or political subdivision thereof, or a tribal government.

Bill 118 hr 1586, also known as the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2023, aims to improve the safety and effectiveness of wildland firefighters while also enhancing forest protection efforts. The bill includes provisions to increase funding for wildfire prevention and response programs, as well as measures to improve training and equipment for firefighters.

One key aspect of the bill is the establishment of a national firefighter training program, which will provide standardized training for wildland firefighters across the country. This program aims to ensure that all firefighters have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and effectively combat wildfires.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to increase funding for the purchase of firefighting equipment, such as fire shelters and personal protective gear. This will help ensure that firefighters have access to the tools they need to stay safe while on the front lines of a wildfire. The bill also includes measures to improve coordination between federal, state, and local agencies involved in wildfire response efforts. This will help ensure that resources are deployed efficiently and effectively to combat wildfires and protect communities at risk. Overall, Bill 118 hr 1586 seeks to enhance the safety and effectiveness of wildland firefighters while also improving forest protection efforts. By providing increased funding, training, and equipment for firefighters, the bill aims to better equip them to handle the growing threat of wildfires in the United States.