S. 2015 · On the floor · Public Lands and Natural Resources

National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025

Sponsor: Ron Wyden (D-OR)

What it does

• Directs USDA and Department of Interior to conduct prescribed fires on federal lands such that acreage treated increases by 10% annually for 10 years.
• Requires USDA and Interior to establish a collaborative prescribed fire program providing financial assistance to states, tribes, counties, municipalities, fire districts, nonprofits, and private entities to conduct prescribed fires in priority landscapes.
• Authorizes USDA and Interior to enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with states, tribes, counties, municipalities, fire districts, nonprofits, and private entities to coordinate prescribed fires on federal lands.
• Directs USDA and Interior to expand employment opportunities for prescribed fire practitioners including hazard pay, support for underrepresented groups, and additional training centers.
• Requires Environmental Protection Agency to coordinate with state, tribal, and local air quality agencies to support environmental review of wildland fires.

Official summary

National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to increase the number and size of prescribed fires conducted on federal lands. For 10 years, Interior and USDA must annually conduct prescribed fires on federal land so that the total acreage where prescribed fires are conducted is 10% greater than the previous fiscal year. Interior and USDA must establish a collaborative prescribed fire program to provide financial assistance to eligible entities to conduct prescribed fires in priority landscapes. Interior and USDA may enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with states, Indian tribes, counties, municipal governments, fire districts, nongovernmental organizations, or private entities to coordinate prescribed fires on federal land. Interior and USDA must expand employment opportunities for prescribed fire practitioners, including by expanding hazard pay, supporting underrepresented groups, and establishing additional training centers. To address the public health and safety risk of the expanded use of prescribed fire, the Environmental Protection Agency must coordinate with state, tribal, and…

Latest action

Sep 17, 2026: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 635.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources