Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act

This bill sets up a nationwide wildfire review every four years to help communities, firefighters, and agencies plan ahead. Three departments—Agriculture, Interior, and Homeland Security—must jointly study how changes to our towns, forests, and rangelands affect fire risks, how to reduce damage before fires start, how to respond when they do, and how to recover afterward. They must also look at how wildfire smoke and other hazards affect public health, working with EPA and CDC/HHS. The goal is a long-term, whole-of-government plan that supports safer communities, healthier landscapes, and more effective firefighting.

A public report is due one year after the law takes effect and then every four years for the next 20 years. Each report will highlight likely wildfire challenges over the next 20 years, recommend actions and laws to address them, check progress on national goals (resilient landscapes, fire-adapted communities, and safe, effective response), review follow-through on major commission recommendations, and map out future scenarios to guide programs, staffing, and strategy.

• Who is involved: Federal, State, Tribal, and local partners are expected to be part of planning and response, since wildfires often cross boundaries and require coordinated action.

Key points

• Who is affected: Communities in fire-prone areas; firefighters; land managers; public health agencies.
• What changes: A recurring, joint wildfire review that studies the built and natural environment, health impacts, and long-term risks; regular recommendations for action; tracking progress on national wildfire goals.
• When: First report within 1 year of enactment; then every 4 years for 20 years.