The Fire Ready Nation Act establishes NOAA fire weather services program, creates a fire weather test bed, establishes Incident Meteorologist Service, and updates weather observation systems. It exempts wildland firefighters from certain premium pay caps.
Latest Action
Held at the desk.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The Fire Ready Nation Act establishes NOAA fire weather services program, creates a fire weather test bed, establishes Incident Meteorologist Service, and updates weather observation systems. It exempts wildland firefighters from certain premium pay caps.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Fire Ready Nation Act of 2025</strong></p><p>This bill provides statutory authority for existing wildfire response services of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and establishes new programs and collaborative efforts to improve fire forecasting and readiness. </p><p>Specifically, in addition to other efforts, the bill directs NOAA to </p><ul><li>establish a coordinated fire weather services program to support readiness for and responsiveness to wildfires, fire weather, smoke, post-fire flooding and debris, and related hazards;</li><li>develop a digital presence to promote access to and use of the services, tools, data, and information produced by the fire weather services program;</li><li>establish a fire weather test bed to facilitate the evaluation and implementation of new capabilities, including through research and development on the use of uncrewed aircraft systems (commonly known as drones) to improve data collection;</li><li>conduct an annual assessment after the close of fire weather season to investigate data gaps and update systems as needed;</li><li>evaluate and update, as appropriate, the Automated Surface Observing System (the primary surface weather network in the United States) and the system used to rate the risk of wildfire; and</li><li>establish an Incident Meteorologist Service within the National Weather Service to provide on-site support before, during, and after significant weather-related events.</li></ul><p>The bill also exempts federal wildland firefighters, fire management response officials, and accompanying incident meteorologists and management teams from certain premium pay limitations. </p><p>Finally, the bill directs the Government Accountability Office to evaluate and report on the implementation of the fire weather services program, among other topics. </p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Establishes NOAA coordinated fire weather services program
Creates fire weather test bed for new capabilities
Establishes Incident Meteorologist Service in NWS
Updates weather observation and fire risk rating systems
Exempts firefighters from premium pay limitations
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Wildfire response would improve with better weather forecasting, on-site meteorologist support, and updated monitoring systems. Firefighters would receive better pay during extended deployments without hitting federal caps.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Science, Technology, Communications
Related Subjects
Advanced technology and technological innovations
Atmospheric science and weather
Computers and information technology
Congressional oversight
Emergency communications systems
Emergency planning and evacuation
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Environmental technology
Fires
First responders and emergency personnel
+6 more
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
306, 119th Congress (2025). "Fire Ready Nation Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-306
