Glacier Country News

Western Congressman Ryan Zinke has joined a bipartisan effort to enhance aerial wildland firefighting capabilities by signing onto the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act. This legislation aims to ensure that the aerial wildfire suppression fleet is prepared to address the persistent threat of wildfires. The bill was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Tim Sheehy and Martin Heinrich, with companion legislation presented in the House by Representative Dan Newhouse.

Congressman Zinke emphasized the importance of equipping firefighters with necessary tools and resources for effective fire suppression, stating, “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.” He highlighted that this legislation would streamline acquiring military aircraft for use in aerial firefighting.

Senator Sheehy expressed his commitment to improving wildfire response efforts, saying, “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.”

The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 proposes amendments to reauthorize selling aircraft and parts by the Department of Defense for wildfire suppression purposes. The bill facilitates acquiring military excess aircraft at fair market value for use in aerial firefighting operations. It also reauthorizes selling excess Department of Defense aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression contracts.

The authority initially expired in 2005 but was previously reauthorized from 2012 until 2017 before lapsing again.