Reps. Stansbury, Kim Lead Bipartisan Bill to Improve Wildfire Communications and Information Sharing Among First Responders

January 21, 2022
Press Release

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) and Young Kim (Calif.-39), who both serve on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, introduced the bipartisan National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) Wildland Fire Communications and Information Dissemination Act (H.R. 6410) to boost communications and information sharing efforts between first responders, fire management response officials and community members during wildfires.

As prolonged drought conditions worsen in New Mexico and throughout the West, New Mexico’s wildfire risk could double from 15 days a year with high wildfire risk in 2000 to 30 in 2030. 

“Our firefighters and first responders are on the front lines responding to increasingly catastrophic wildfires. We need to make sure they have the best science, technology, and tools to respond,” said Rep Stansbury. “That’s why I am proud to join Representative Kim in introducing legislation that will help improve emergency response and help keep our firefighters safe by improving data, communications, and coordination across agencies.”

“The ability for first responders to quickly and securely share information during a wildfire is critical and can make the difference between life or death,” said Rep. Kim. “After hearing directly from first responders about the need to improve communications and information sharing, I’m proud to introduce a bipartisan bill that aims to do just that. I urge my colleagues to support the NIST Wildland Fire Communications Information Dissemination Act, and I will keep working to create responsible policies to support those on the front lines of preventing, detecting and containing wildfires and keeping civilians safe.”

The NIST Wildland Fire Communications and Information Dissemination Act would require NIST to work on wildfire communications efforts by:

  • Developing guidance and metrics for the delivery of real-time data to firefighters on the ground;
  • Providing recommendations to the National Interagency Fire Center by conducting field tests and collaborating with communications technology manufacturers; and,
  • Working with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to produce a report on the National Interagency Fire Center’s implementation of the recommendations.
Issues:CongressEnergy, Climate & Environment