Under a bill introduced to the House of Representatives this week, the Empowering the U.S. Fire Administration Act, four legislators proposed changes to federal legislation that would allow the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) to aid local firefighter investigations after major fires.
“Unfortunately, deadly fires are not uncommon, and too often they devastate families and communities,” U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI) said. “This bill will help establish better coordination at the federal level to investigate these fires and ultimately prevent them from occurring. If we can resolve the underlying issues that make these tragedies more likely, we can save lives.”
Meijer was joined in this effort by fellow U.S. Reps. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH). He was also supported, from his district, by the City of Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Fire Department. Other supporters include the New York City Fire Department, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the International Association of Fire Fighters.
The bill would allow the USFA to send specialists, engineers, researchers, and fire training specialists to assist in local investigations and provide recommendations for future prevention. The USFA would also be required to report in coordination with federal, state, and local authorities on their findings and recommendations.