U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) on Jan. 10 introduced the Wildfire Management Technology Advancement Act of 2018, S. 2290, a bipartisan bill that would ensure American firefighters have the most up-to-date equipment and support for extinguishing wildfires.
“Our firefighters in Colorado and around the country risk everything to protect our communities and it is our duty to make sure they have every possible tool at their disposal to safely fight wildfires,” said Sen. Gardner on Tuesday. Gardner introduced the bill with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA).
If enacted, S. 2290 would direct the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior to provide firefighters with global positioning system (GPS) locations of burning wildfires. The agencies also would be required to start using unmanned aircraft systems for identifying and mapping wildfires in real time, according to a statement from Gardner’s office.
S. 2290 also would require an analysis delving into firefighter injury trends. The data would inform firefighter prevention trainings, according to Gardner’s office. Additionally, the bill would make cost-sharing funding available so at-risk localities could install advanced reverse-911 systems to bolster evacuation efforts, the senator’s office said.
Sen. Gardner, who serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, among others, also noted his state’s contribution to advanced firefighting know-how.
“The Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting in Colorado develops cutting-edge technologies and this legislation will compliment those efforts,” he said. “I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure this important, common sense bill becomes law.”
National firefighting groups have spoken out in support of Gardner’s bill.
“Wildfires are having an increasing impact on public and firefighter safety,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy for the National Fire Protection Association. “Legislative support for technologies that streamline firefighting response and improve safety conditions for first responders and residents alike is critical as this threat grows. This bill will help get key scientific research and knowledge applied where it will make a significant difference.”
Timothy Ingalsbee, executive director of Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics, and Ecology, noted that millions in taxpayer dollars already have been widely invested in research and development of next-generation technology tools related to wildfire management operations.
The proposed measure “will enable us to reap the benefits of those investments to improve the safety and success of crews managing wildfires,” Ingalsbee said.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.