This bill increases federal assistance for fire management to at least 75% of eligible costs and allows FEMA to reimburse state, local, and tribal governments for pre-deploying resources before a major disaster. It also directs FEMA to create rules for recommending increases in the federal share of disaster relief costs.
Alejandro "Alex" Padilla
Senator
CA
The "Fire Suppression and Response Funding Assurance Act" increases the federal government's share of fire management assistance to at least 75% of eligible costs. It also directs FEMA to create rules for recommending increased federal cost shares for disaster relief and updates FEMA's grant policy to allow reimbursement for pre-deployment of resources by state, local, and tribal governments before a major disaster.
Federal Firefighting Aid Gets a Boost: New Bill Hikes Federal Share to 75%, Covers Pre-Disaster Prep
The Fire Suppression and Response Funding Assurance Act is stepping up the federal government's role in fighting wildfires and handling other disasters. Here’s the breakdown:
More Money, Less Local Strain
The core of this bill is about easing the financial burden on states, local, and tribal governments when it comes to battling blazes. It amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, bumping the federal share of fire management assistance to at least 75% of eligible costs (SEC. 2). This applies to all funds allocated from the moment this bill becomes law. For a local fire department that just spent $1 million on equipment and overtime during a major wildfire, this could mean getting back at least $750,000 from the feds, instead of potentially much less under the old rules. The bill doesn't define "eligible costs", which is a potential area to watch.
FEMA's New Rules
Within three years, FEMA has to come up with clear rules on when it can recommend boosting the federal share of all disaster relief costs, not just fires (SEC. 3). This is a big deal because, right now, it’s a bit of a gray area. The bill is directing FEMA to create a more transparent and predictable process for states and localities to know when they can expect more federal help. Think of it as setting clearer guidelines for when Uncle Sam will pick up more of the tab during major disasters—whether it's a hurricane, earthquake, or another devastating wildfire.
Getting Ahead of the Game
One of the most practical parts of this bill allows state, local, and tribal governments to get reimbursed for pre-deploying resources (SEC. 4). Previously, FEMA wouldn't pay for costs until after a disaster was officially declared. Now, if a state sees a high wildfire risk and sends crews to stage near a danger zone before a fire explodes, those costs can be covered. For example, if a tribal government moves firefighters and equipment closer to a reservation bordering a national forest before a major fire starts, they can get reimbursed for those proactive measures. This could be a game-changer for rapid response and potentially save lives and property by getting ahead of fast-moving disasters.
The Bottom Line
The Fire Suppression and Response Funding Assurance Act aims to make disaster response, especially for wildfires, more efficient and less financially crippling for local communities. By increasing the federal cost-share and covering pre-deployment, it’s giving states, tribes, and local governments more tools—and more financial breathing room—to protect their citizens. While the rulemaking process and the definition of "eligible costs" will need close attention, the bill's overall impact shifts more responsibility to the federal level during major disasters, which could free up critical local resources.