National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025

The National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025 would direct the Interior Department and U.S. Forest Service to increase the use of controlled, intentional fires on federal lands, particularly in western and southeastern forests. Prescribed burns are fires deliberately ignited under controlled conditions to reduce dangerous fuel buildup that can lead to catastrophic wildfires. The bill would allocate funding for these activities and establish a collaborative program involving state, tribal, and local governments.

The legislation would also create workforce development initiatives to train and hire prescribed fire practitioners. These programs would prioritize employment opportunities for underrepresented groups, including tribal members, veterans, women, and formerly incarcerated individuals. The bill would expand hazard pay for fire management workers and establish additional training centers. Additionally, it would streamline environmental reviews and permitting processes to facilitate prescribed burns during cooler, wetter months when such fires are safer and produce less smoke.