U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) applauded the recent House of Representatives advancement of the FEMA Improvement, Reform, and Efficiency (FIRE) Act, which seeks to improve wildfire preparedness and response programs.
“California remains on the frontlines of the climate crisis, and as wildfires and drought continue to threaten our communities, we must ensure that we have the resources we need to efficiently prepare and respond to disasters,” Thompson said. “The FIRE Act will help us provide a robust response to wildfires, pre-deploy resources before potential disasters, and improve equitable disaster assistance.”
The legislation, which now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature, updates the Stafford Act governing FEMA, reviewing
pre-deployment of assets during times of highest wildfire risk and red flag warnings while increasing equity and consistency across multiple FEMA assistance programs.
“Wildfires present a unique and increasing danger in California and across the country. Congress must ensure all federal agencies and statutes are set up in ways that best support our communities as they prepare for and respond to deadly fires,” Lofgren said. “Wildfire assistance should not be treated as less important than hurricanes, tornadoes or floods, and our bill importantly improves and brings parity to FEMA’s efforts by focusing on disaster-specific needs.”
Lofgren said the measure’s passage serves as part of a whole-of-government approach to better prevent and respond to wildfires.