South OC Times

U.S. Representatives Young Kim, Judy Chu, and Julia Brownley have introduced the bipartisan Fire Information and Reaction Enhancement (FIRE) Act. The legislation aims to enhance wildfire detection and forecasting by empowering the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop and expand its capabilities in this area. The goal is to quickly provide critical information to land managers and firefighters before wildfires escalate.

Congresswoman Kim highlighted the urgency of early detection, referencing the Airport Fire in her district that burned nearly 24,000 acres across Orange and Riverside counties. "Early detection and quick, secure communication can be the difference between life and death during a wildfire," she stated. She emphasized that the FIRE Act would enable NOAA to forecast and detect wildfire activity effectively.

Rep. Chu pointed out the severity of recent Southern California wildfires, including the Eaton Fire in her district, which destroyed over 9,500 structures and left 20,000 people homeless. She stressed the need for better tools to protect communities as climate change extends fire seasons. "I’m partnering with Reps. Kim and Brownley to introduce and pass the FIRE Act so that NOAA can provide better wildfire forecasting," she said.

Congresswoman Brownley noted the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in California due to climate change impacts. "The FIRE Act will improve NOAA wildfire forecasting while improving information-sharing with firefighters," she explained. She underscored the importance of investing in technologies for wildfire mitigation to save lives and minimize community damage.