South OC Times

The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 8790, known as the Fix Our Forests Act, a bipartisan initiative aimed at enhancing wildfire response and mitigation efforts. This legislation includes the Wildfire Tech Demonstration, Evaluation, Modernization, and Optimization (DEMO) Act (H.R. 4235), led by U.S. Rep. Young Kim (CA-40). The DEMO Act allows private entities to collaborate with federal land management agencies to test wildfire technologies alongside ongoing hazardous fuels mitigation activities and training.

Rep. Kim emphasized the importance of improving wildfire response tools: "Southern California wildfires, including the Airport Fire in our area, are a pressing reminder of the importance of wildfire response. Our first responders need all available tools to keep our communities safe and combat the ever-changing threat posed by wildfires," she said. "The DEMO Act will help us more quickly develop and deploy emerging technologies for wildfire response. I am thrilled this important initiative to update wildfire response tools is included in the Fix Our Forests Act and will keep fighting to get this done."

In addition to her work on the DEMO Act, Rep. Kim has been actively involved in other legislative efforts aimed at improving wildfire mitigation:

- Helping introduce the Cross Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act (H.R. 9703) to inform recommendations for enhancing wildfire mitigation effectiveness.

- Supporting the Fire Weather Development Act (H.R. 4866), which aims to improve wildfire detection capabilities and communication between first responders and community members.

- Introducing the Restoring Our Unopened Trails for Enjoyment and Safety (ROUTES) Act (H.R. 6994) to streamline maintenance of federal trails, roads, campgrounds, and recreation sites damaged by natural disasters.

- Securing funding in FY22 appropriations for additional heli-hydrant installation in Yorba Linda Water District and fuel reduction projects in Chino Hills.

- Increasing resources for FEMA's Urban Search & Rescue Response System task forces.

- Adding language to address deferred trail maintenance issues in the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2024.

Rep. Kim continues her commitment to advancing policies that enhance safety measures against wildfires through various legislative channels.