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Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2025
3/17/2025, 5:43 PM
Summary of Bill S 647
The primary goal of these research centers is to enhance the scientific knowledge and capabilities related to wildland fire management. By conducting research and collecting data on the behavior of wildland fires, these centers will be able to develop more effective strategies for prevention, containment, and suppression of these fires.
In addition to research, the bill also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and coordination among federal, state, and local agencies involved in wildland fire management. By fostering partnerships and sharing information, the hope is that these research centers will be able to improve communication and response efforts during wildfire events. Overall, the Regional Wildland Fire Research Centers Act seeks to address the growing threat of wildland fires by investing in research and collaboration efforts. By better understanding the behavior of these fires and working together to develop effective strategies, the goal is to protect communities, wildlife, and natural resources from the devastating impacts of wildland fires.
Congressional Summary of S 647
Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2025
This bill provides for the establishment of at least seven regional wildland fire research centers to improve the understanding of wildland fire through coordinated research and development.
Specifically, the Department of Commerce, in coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Forest Service, must establish regional centers at institutions of higher education and land-grant colleges and universities in seven specified regions. Institutions must be selected to host regional centers through a competitive process. Among other priorities, regional centers must develop technologies and tools to understand, monitor, and predict wildland fire, test and operate models to support land management decision-making, and improve the understanding of post-fire risks (e.g., flash flooding). Regional centers must coordinate their research with one another and with other wildland fire research entities, and must make their work and data fully and openly available.
The bill also establishes a national coordination board to develop technological research priorities and science, data management, and sharing protocols in cooperation with each regional center. The national board must coordinate the activities of regional centers and other research institutions to avoid unnecessary duplication.
Further, the bill establishes an advisory board at each regional center to advise on research goals and activities, assist with dissemination of research outputs, and ensure coordination of research between regional centers and federal and state land management agencies in the relevant region.
Finally, the bill sets forth certain reporting requirements with respect to the regional centers’ progress.
