The bill would direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to create a program to improve wildfire forecasts and detection. It calls for work on predicting wildfire spread, forecasting smoke, communicating risks, and detecting fires earlier. NOAA would also establish weather research testbeds with industry and academic partners within 180 days of enactment.
The program is intended to improve wildfire warnings and information about smoke and fire risks. The bill does not specify when or where these improvements would reach the public.
The bill authorizes $15 million for fiscal year 2026 for the weather research testbed program. It does not state that this funding has been appropriated.
The bill’s stated goals are to improve wildfire forecasts and warnings to help reduce loss of life, injuries, property damage, and harm to the economy. No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.