Bill
HR 3889
The National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025 promotes safe prescribed burns to reduce wildfire risks, enhance ecosystems, and improve public safety through funding and education.
Bill Number: HR 3889
Introduced: June 10, 2025
Status: Introduced in House
Primary Sponsor: Kim Schrier
Cosponsor: David G. Valadao
Related Bill: S 2015 (companion)
The National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025 aims to enhance the use of prescribed fire as a land management tool to reduce wildfire risks, improve ecosystem health, and promote public safety. The bill seeks to establish a structured framework for funding, implementing, and educating stakeholders about prescribed fire practices across the United States.
The bill is organized into three main titles, each addressing different aspects of prescribed fire management:
Sec. 101: Definition of Prescribed Fire
Establishes a clear definition of what constitutes a prescribed fire, ensuring consistency in its application and management.
Sec. 102: Prescribed Fire Funding
Authorizes funding mechanisms to support prescribed fire initiatives, including grants and federal assistance.
Sec. 103: Policies and Practices
Outlines best practices and policies for the safe and effective use of prescribed fire, promoting standardized approaches across jurisdictions.
Sec. 104: Collaborative Prescribed Fire Program
Encourages collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies, as well as private landowners, to implement prescribed fire programs.
Sec. 201: Cooperative Agreements and Contracts
Facilitates the establishment of cooperative agreements and contracts to streamline the implementation of prescribed fire projects.
Sec. 202: Human Resources
Addresses the need for trained personnel to manage and execute prescribed fire operations effectively.
Sec. 203: Liability of Prescribed Fire Managers
Clarifies the liability protections for prescribed fire managers, encouraging more entities to engage in prescribed burning without fear of legal repercussions.
Sec. 204: Environmental Review
Simplifies the environmental review process for prescribed fire projects to expedite implementation while ensuring environmental protections.
Sec. 205: Prescribed Fire Education Program
Establishes an educational program aimed at informing landowners, communities, and stakeholders about the benefits and practices of prescribed fire.
Sec. 301: Annual Reports to National Fire Planning and Operations Database
Mandates annual reporting of prescribed fire activities to a centralized database for better tracking and analysis.
Sec. 302: Annual Implementation Report
Requires an annual report on the implementation of prescribed fire initiatives, assessing their effectiveness and areas for improvement.
The National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025 is expected to:
- Enhance the capacity of federal and state agencies to conduct prescribed burns safely and effectively.
- Foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, private landowners, and non-profit organizations.
- Improve public understanding of prescribed fire as a beneficial land management tool, potentially leading to increased community support for such initiatives.
- Contribute to wildfire risk reduction, ecosystem restoration, and improved air quality by promoting responsible fire management practices.
This summary provides an overview of the National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on wildfire management and land stewardship.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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