Monday, Rep. George Whitesides (D-CA) introduced the bipartisan Wildfire Response Modernization Act alongside Reps. Lance Gooden (R-TX), John Garamendi (D-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), and Jason Crow (D-CO).
This bill would expand the United States government’s ability to detect, track, and combat new wildfires.
Last year, Rep. Whitesides introduced the FireGuard Reauthorization Act, which authorized the Department of Defense to use their satellites to detect wildfires and distribute information to firefighting efforts on the ground.
The program has detected numerous fires in the critical first moments that they break out, and helped firefighters track dangerous wildfires as they spread.
Rep. Whitesides’ new legislation would allow the Space Force to purchase nonprofit and commercial wildfire data products for the FireGuard program for the first time, giving FireGuard expanded early detection and continuous monitoring capabilities to detect, track, and fight fires as they break out in California and across the country.
“FireGuard is one of the most important ways the federal government can utilize technology to fight fires quicker and more effectively, and the program should have access to every piece of data available,” said Rep. Whitesides. “Particularly in Southern California, where wildfires have destroyed thousands of lives and livelihoods, the government must meet this challenge head on, using every tool at our disposal. We can make FireGuard, an already successful program, even stronger, by strengthening its partnership with non-profit and commercial sources to improve around-the-clock monitoring, and the potential for even earlier detection.”
“Every minute matters in a wildfire,” said Rep. Gooden. “This provision puts cutting-edge American technology to work so first responders can detect fires earlier, respond faster, and prevent small fires from destroying lives and communities.”
“As states like California face increasingly frequent and intense wildfires, tools like FireGuard help us meet that threat. Using space-based commercial data will only make this program more effective. This is one of the many ways that space benefits Americans every day,” said Rep. Carbajal. “We’ve seen how capable this program has been in early detection and this legislation builds on that success. Protecting our communities from wildfires is not a partisan issue — it’s an urgent one, and I’m proud to be co-leading this effort.”
“As California’s Insurance Commissioner, I saw firsthand the devastating impact wildfires can have on families and communities. Homes were destroyed, lives were upended, and memories built over generations were lost in a matter of hours,” said Rep. Garamendi. “For years, firefighters have needed better tools to detect and contain fires before they become catastrophic. This commonsense legislation will help ensure that firefighters have the technology and resources necessary to protect lives, property, and communities.”
“Colorado is facing a high risk of wildfires after one of the warmest and driest winters in history,” said Rep. Crow. “By allowing local communities to have fast and accurate data about wildfires, including from space-based satellites, we can better equip local communities to respond to emergencies. I will continue to work with Republicans and Democrats to protect Coloradans this fire season.”
FireGuard uses National Guard intelligence analysts embedded with federal and state agencies to provide near real-time wildfire detection and situational awareness. This data improves response times and coordination. Earlier alerts mean faster evacuations, more precise air drops, and safer conditions for firefighters and residents.
Rep. Whitesides brings a deep personal commitment to solving America’s wildfire crisis. Before entering Congress, he co-founded an organization dedicated to combating megafires and advancing fire science. Now representing California’s 27th District, he is focused on helping Southern California recover from devastating firestorms and enhance the region’s preparation for future fires.
As a member of the bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, Rep. Whitesides has championed legislation to protect firefighter pay, improve disaster recovery, and invest in frontline resilience.
