The FLAME Act would authorize the U.S. Fire Administration Administrator to cancel at least 25% of the Academy’s planned courses in a fiscal year. For such large-scale cancellations, the Administrator generally must notify Congress at least 60 days ahead and inform enrolled students and their fire departments at least 45 days before the course starts. In exigent circumstances, notice may be given as soon as practicable afterward. For other cancellations, the Superintendent generally must notify students and departments at least 30 days before the course starts, with the same exception for exigent circumstances.
The bill would allow affected fire departments to seek reimbursement for covered expenses, including travel and staffing or overtime costs. Reimbursement would not apply when a course is canceled for good cause, such as an Academy facility closure, instructor unavailability, or a national emergency that impedes access. The bill also directs the Government Accountability Office to study Academy course cancellations and training by March 30, 2026.
Students enrolled in canceled courses and their fire departments would generally receive advance notice. A fire department could apply for reimbursement for eligible expenses by submitting an itemized request within 30 days after the course’s planned start date.
The bill does not specify a total cost. It would require reimbursement for covered expenses, subject to the good-cause exception, within 90 days after FEMA receives an itemized request.
The bill’s findings describe Academy training as important to firefighters’ skills and departments’ readiness. They say clear cancellation authority and notice to Congress are needed.
No publicly available information.