The bill would facilitate the acquisition of military excess aircraft for the aerial wildfire suppression fleet
Washington (D.C.) – Today, Western Congressman Ryan Zinke signed onto the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act to ensure the aerial wildfire suppression fleet is mission ready to combat the year-round threat of wildfires. The bill was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Tim Sheehy (R – MT) and Martin Heinrich (D – N.M.) and companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R WA -04).
“As Congress attacks the root causes of catastrophic fires, it’s also important that the firefighters on the ground have the tools and resources needed to attack fires for quick and safe suppression,” said Congressman Zinke. “This legislation will streamline the acquisition of military aircraft for use in aerial firefighting, making sure that our firefighters get what they need in the fastest most efficient way.”
“As a former Navy SEAL and the only aerial firefighter in the Senate, I understand government’s most solemn duty is to keep the American people safe. Combatting the threat of catastrophic wildfires is a year-round mission, and we must ensure our aerial wildfire suppression fleet has the resources needed to protect our communities. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to help our brave first responders fight wildfires better, faster, and stronger by streamlining wildland firefighting efforts and removing outdated bureaucratic obstacles to getting the job done,” said Senator Sheehy.
Background:
The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to reauthorize the sale of aircraft and parts by the Department of Defense for wildfire suppression.
This bipartisan bill will help the U.S. better suppress wildfires year-round by facilitating the acquisition of military excess aircraft, sold at fair market value, for the aerial wildfire suppression fleet. Additionally, the sale of parts will help the U.S. maintain its existing aerial firefighting aircraft fleet.
The bill reauthorizes the Secretary of Defense to sell excess Department of Defense aircraft and aircraft parts, which are acceptable for commercial sale, to persons or entities that contract with the government for the delivery of fire retardants or water by air to suppress wildfires, as long as the aircraft and parts are used only for wildfire suppression. The initial authority expired in 2005 and was reauthorized from 2012 to 2017 before lapsing again.
Full bill text here.
