This bill establishes a Wildfire Intelligence Center to improve coordination, research, and data sharing among federal, state, tribal, and private entities to enhance wildfire management and prediction.
Alejandro "Alex" Padilla
Senator
CA
The Wildfire Intelligence Collaboration and Coordination Act of 2025 establishes a Wildfire Intelligence Center within the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Interior to improve the study, planning, coordination, and implementation of solutions for wildfire management. The center will facilitate collaboration and information sharing among federal and state agencies, tribal entities, academia, and the private sector, and provide real-time, science-based analytical services and decision support for all phases of fire management. A governing board with representatives from various federal agencies will administer the center, and an executive director will be appointed to manage daily operations and engage with the private sector. The center aims to enhance wildfire risk assessment, prediction, and response capabilities through improved data, technology, and coordination.
New Wildfire Intelligence Center Aims to Modernize Firefighting with Tech and Teamwork: Headquarters to Be Chosen Within a Year
The Wildfire Intelligence Collaboration and Coordination Act of 2025 is all about bringing firefighting into the 21st century. It establishes a new Wildfire Intelligence Center, pulling together resources from the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Interior. The goal? To create a central hub for studying, planning, and tackling wildfires across the country, especially those blazes that creep into populated areas.
From Data to Action
This isn't just about putting out fires—it's about predicting them, understanding their behavior, and minimizing their impact. The Center will focus on providing real-time analysis and decision support for every stage of wildfire management. Think of it as a high-tech command center, using climate and weather data, along with detailed fuel condition assessments, to model fire behavior and its consequences, including air quality. This means better info for everyone, from firefighters on the ground to families figuring out if they need to evacuate. (Section 4(c))
Real-World Ready
Imagine a farmer getting up-to-the-minute risk assessments to protect their crops, or a town mayor having access to detailed evacuation plans based on the latest fire predictions. That's the kind of practical impact this bill is aiming for. The Center will offer data, mapping, and even consulting services to help with everything from pre-fire planning to post-fire recovery. It will also create a nationwide wildland fire risk catalog, updated in real time, to keep everyone informed. (Section 4(c)(4))
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work?
One of the big ideas here is collaboration. The bill stresses the need for federal, state, and tribal agencies to work together, along with universities and private companies. A 14-member board, with representatives from various federal agencies, will govern the Center. (Section 4(e)(1)). The Executive Director can even tap into private sector expertise for things like drought monitoring. (Section 4(f)(2)). Within a year, the Board must report to Congress to assess current contracting authorities and recommend any changes. (Section 4(f)(3)).
The Tech Side
Getting all these different groups to share information effectively means building an interoperable IT infrastructure. The bill emphasizes creating common data standards so that everyone is on the same page. This includes consolidating air quality data to provide clear info on public health risks from smoke. (Section 4(c)(5)).
Training for the Front Lines
The bill recognizes that better tech needs to be matched with better training. It calls for improved wildland fire preparedness training for local officials and emergency responders, working with federal, state, and tribal agencies. (Section 4(c)(8)).
Funding and Fine Print
The Center will be jointly administered by the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior. They'll even be able to transfer funds between agencies like the Forest Service, NOAA, and the USGS to keep things running, as long as they give Congress a 15-day heads-up. (Section 4(d)).