BRUSH Fires Act

This proposal directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study which wildfire prevention methods work best in shrubland areas and nearby communities. Within one year, the Forest Service must review how well different tools reduce wildfire risk and damage over time, including fuel reduction (like strategic fuel breaks), controlling invasive weeds and grasses, helping native shrubs grow back after fires, and steps to cut down on ember ignitions from people or man-made structures, including electrical systems. The study also looks at the weather, seasons, and terrain where each method works best, and what policy, staffing, or budget roadblocks get in the way. It will also review how partnerships with non-federal groups help make homes, roads, and other high‑risk structures less likely to ignite from embers.

After the study, the Department must publish a report within 90 days. The report will share results, name best practices for land managers, point out areas for more research, compare current Forest Service policies to those best practices, and suggest ways to better coordinate with non‑federal partners, especially in places where communities border wildlands. To avoid duplicate work, the Department should coordinate with Forest Service research programs and other federal agencies, and may consult outside experts.

Key points

• Who is affected: Communities in or next to shrubland ecosystems; land managers; wildfire managers and firefighters; owners of high‑risk structures and infrastructure .
• What changes: A one‑year study of wildfire prevention methods and a public report with best practices, policy comparisons, and coordination improvements .
• When: Study due within 1 year of enactment; report due 90 days after the study is finished .