Support Fire Management Assistance Grants
Feb. 17, 2017 - Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA) introduced the Wildfire Prevention Act of 2017 (H.R. 1183) which would expand the FMAG program to provide funding for post-wildland fire disaster mitigation projects. Download the IAFC's draft letter of support and urge your representative to cosponsor this important legislation!
IAFC Comments on Wildland Fire Proposal
Jun. 13, 2016 - The IAFC recently submitted comments in response to a discussion draft circulated by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources on variuos proposals to address wildland fire costs and operational issues. In these comments, the IAFC applauded the proposal to fund wildland fire expenses through a cap adjustment rather than the Disaster Relief Fund. However, the IAFC did express some concern about the lack of involvement from local fire departments in the variuos proposals. Read the IAFC's letter to see the IAFC's full review of the proposed policy changes.
Murkowski and Cantwell Offer Wildland Fire Proposals
May 25, 2016 - Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released a discussion draft on proposals to address funding for federal wildland fire suppression, operational issues, and land management issues. While the IAFC was pleased to see a responsible funding mechanism which avoids usage of the Disaster Relief Fund, the IAFC does believe local fire departments should play a great role in the policy proposals. The full discussion draft can be seen here. The IAFC is currently developing an full response to these policy proposals.
Simpson and Schrader Introduce Fire Funding Reform in House
Mar. 2, 2015 - Representatives Mike Simpson (R-ID) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) have introduced the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act (H.R. 167) in the House. H.R. 167 is identical to S. 235 and would support reforms to the funding process for wildland fire suppression.
White House Releases Budget for FY 2016
Feb. 9, 2015 - The White House released its funding request for Fiscal Year 2016. The budget incorporates the proposal to reform wildland fire suppression funding to allow the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Interior (DOI) to access funds under the Disaster Relief Fund. Learn more about how the budget impacts wildland fire suppression.
Wyden and Crapo Introduce Fire Funding Reform in Senate
Jan. 22, 2015 - Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act of 2015 (S. 235) to reform how wildland fire suppression in funded
Womack Introduced Bill to Preserve FEPP/FFP
Jan. 6, 2015 - Representative Steve Womack (R-AR) has re-introduced the Firefighter Equipment Protection Act (H.R. 177) which would codify the FEPP and FFP programs to prevent adminstrative changes being made to change the programs. Rep. Tim Griffin introduced identical legislation in the 113th Congress, however Congress failed to vote on the legislation before the end of the 113th Congress.
Griffin Introduces Bill to Preserve FEPP/FFP
Sept. 16, 2014 - Rep. Tim Griffin (R-AR) introduced the Firefighter Equipment Protection Act of 2014 (H.R. 5483), which would codify the recent decision to exempt vehicles and equipment in the Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) and Firefighter Property (FFP) programs from engine emissions regulations.
DLA Restarts Excess Property Transfers
Aug., 2014 - The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has agreed to fully resume the transfer of excess property under the Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) and Firefighter Property (FFP) programs. This decision is based on a new agreement between the DLA and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to exempt vehicles and equipment in the FEPP and FFP programs from engine emissions regulations.
IAFC Signs Letter in Supporting of Wildland Fire Suppression Funding Reform
Jun. 27, 2014 - The IAFC has signed onto a letter of support for the Wildfire Disaster Relief Act of 2014 (WDFA, H.R. 3992/S.1875) which would reform how the federal government budgets for wildland fire suppression.