Bipartisan legislation unveiled on Nov. 19 by U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO) would provide for the establishment of regional wildland fire research centers at higher education institutions to both support wildfire research and develop new technologies to enhance wildfire preparedness across the nation.
“As a former Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter pilot who has fought Colorado wildfires, I know how critical it is to support wildfire research that reflects the unique risks facing each region,” Rep. Evans said. “This bipartisan effort will strengthen the development of mitigation strategies, and give states the tools they need to protect our communities and natural landscapes for generations to come.”
The congressman cosponsored the Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2025, H.R. 6154, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Dave Min (D-CA). The bill is companion legislation to the same-named S. 647, which U.S. Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Ben Lujan (D-NM) introduced in February.
If enacted, the measure would establish research centers to better understand the causes and consequences of wildland fires and what factors increase the risk of catastrophic events; the spread and behavior of wildland fires; the efficacy of mitigation strategies for wildland fires; the impact of wildland fires on public health, safety, and the environment; the rehabilitation and restoration of affected ecosystems after wildland fires; and the development of mitigation strategies, according to the bill’s text.
The measure would direct the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Agriculture to establish a minimum of eight wildfire research centers at colleges and universities to develop region-specific solutions to catastrophic wildfires.
Each center would develop, maintain, and operate next-generation fire and vegetation models and technologies to support wildland fire mitigation and address the specific needs of the region they are situated in; develop a career pathway training program to help carry out wildland fire research and technology development; and consult with regional advisory boards, among other provisions.
“Wildfires are becoming more deadly, and without strong research and modern tools to address these growing threats, our communities will continue to pay the price,” said Rep. Min. “I’m proud to lead this legislation to ensure we are better equipped to save lives and neighborhoods.”
Bill supporters include the National Federation of Federal Employees, the Federation of American Scientists, Megafire Action, the Nature Conservancy, and the National Association of State Foresters.