Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2024

The Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2024 establishes seven regional wildland fire research centers at eligible institutions across seven U.S. regions (Alaska, California, Northern Rockies, Pacific Northwest, Pacific Islands, Southeast, and Southwest). Each center will develop predictive models for wildfire behavior, safety technologies, and career pathways while coordinating with federal agencies, tribal organizations, and state governments. The bill authorizes $300 million over five years ($60 million to $64 million annually) for these centers, plus $1 million annually for a National Center Coordination Board to oversee research efforts. The centers must make all research and data openly available to support wildfire management agencies and communities affected by wildfires. This legislation directly affects research institutions, federal wildfire management agencies, tribal organizations, and communities facing wildfire risks.