U.S. Reps. Young Kim (R-CA) and Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) recently introduced legislation to bolster wildfire communications and information sharing among first responders.
The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) Wildland Fire Communications and Information Dissemination Act (H.R. 6410) stemmed from a session regarding the state of wildfire coordination and response efforts in California’s 39th District and across southern California.
“The ability for first responders to quickly and securely share information during a wildfire is critical and can make the difference between life or death,” said Kim, who serves on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee with Stansbury. “After hearing directly from first responders about the need to improve communications and information sharing, I’m proud to introduce a bipartisan bill that aims to do just that. I will keep working to create responsible policies to support those on the front lines of preventing, detecting, and containing wildfires and keeping civilians safe.”
Bill provisions include developing guidance and metrics for delivering real-time data to firefighters on the ground and providing recommendations to the National Interagency Fire Center by conducting field tests and collaborating with communications technology manufacturers.
“Our firefighters and first responders are on the front lines responding to increasingly catastrophic wildfires,” Stansbury said. “We need to make sure they have the best science, technology, and tools to respond. That’s why I am proud to join Rep. Kim in introducing legislation that will help improve emergency response and help keep our firefighters safe by improving data, communications, and coordination across agencies.”