Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025

This bill renews a program that lets the Department of Defense sell extra aircraft and parts for fighting wildfires. The aircraft and parts must be used for wildfire work only. The authority runs from when the law takes effect through October 1, 2035, giving states and firefighting groups a longer window to upgrade their fleets and keep communities safer during fire season . It also makes clear that these planes can drop water, not just fire retardant, and it lifts the old limit on helping fight wildfires outside the United States when needed .

• Key points:
  • Who is affected: Firefighting agencies and contractors who provide aircraft services; communities at risk of wildfires .
  • What changes: DoD can sell excess aircraft/parts for wildfire use only; aircraft can deliver water as well as retardant; prior limits on international assistance are removed .
  • When: Authority begins upon enactment and ends October 1, 2035 .