Wildfire Coordination Act

HR 9702, the Wildfire Coordination Act, establishes a permanent federal advisory board to improve how wildfire research connects with practical firefighting and land management. The board, composed of agency leaders and 18 external experts (including state/Tribal representatives, researchers, and public health specialists), coordinates translating scientific research into on-the-ground tools for firefighters and communities. Key provisions require the board to prioritize research, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration (like public health and predictive modeling), and share findings via online portals and workshops. Funded with $10 million, the board must submit a report to Congress within two years detailing progress, barriers, and future research needs. This bill directly affects federal agencies managing wildfires and aims to streamline research-to-practice workflows without altering existing regulations.