Representative Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita,  along with Young Kim, Julia Brownley and Judy Chu introduced the bipartisan Fire Information and Reaction Enhancement (FIRE) Act with the hopes of improving wildfire detection.

The bill would enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop technology that improves the prediction of wildfire intensification, the forecast of smoke dispersion, information dissemination and risk communication, and early detection of wildfires.

FIRE Act would also authorize the construction of a “fire-weather testbed” to develop and test new technologies created for these purposes.

“The FIRE Act is a critical piece of bipartisan legislation that will provide California with much-needed wildfire prevention tools. With better tools to detect, predict, and react to wildfires, firefighters, land managers, and emergency managers can make more informed decisions to mitigate the loss of property and life,” said Garcia.

The changes that would come with the FIRE Act have the hopes of aiding in combating wildfires before they spread to catastrophic levels, mitigating the loss of life and property. 

“Climate change is worsening fire seasons in California, and Congress must respond to keep communities safe. said Rep. Chu.

“Early forecasting and detection and quick, secure communication can truly make the difference between life and death,” said Rep. Young Kim. “We need all hands on deck during a wildfire, which is why strengthening NOAA’s partnership with the U.S. weather industry to forecast and detect wildfire activity can play a vital role in response efforts and preventing natural disasters.”

More information on the bill can be accessed here.

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