Senate advances bill to boost aerial wildfire response capabilities

Introduced by Senators Martin Heinrich and Tim Sheehy, the bill seeks to expand the fleet and resources available for US wildfire response by authorizing the sale of surplus military aircraft and equipment for firefighting purposes.

According to Senator Heinrich, the legislation renews the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) ability to transfer excess aircraft and parts to assist firefighting operations – a critical move to enhance access to very large airtankers (VLATs) and essential maintenance supplies.

Senator Heinrich emphasized the bill’s significance, stating: “The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act is urgently needed to bolster the availability of very large airtankers that have been vital for combating major wildfires in New Mexico and throughout the west.”

Bill aims to update aerial firefighting efforts

The legislation updates and strengthens the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996, which previously allowed for similar transfers until its expiration in 2005. Though briefly revived from 2012 to 2017, the program lapsed again, prompting renewed calls for a long-term solution.

Under the 2025 Act, the DoD will regain the authority to sell suitable aircraft and parts at fair market value to contractors partnering with federal firefighting agencies.

Senator Sheehy noted: “It’s only April, and this year has already seen the most dangerous and expensive wildfire season in history. It’s clear our government must do more to give wildland firefighters the tools they need to protect communities and save lives. The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act supports that mission by eliminating bureaucratic obstacles to provide our aerial wildfire suppression fleet the resources necessary to fight wildfires quickly and aggressively.”

Wildfire legislation gains extended political support

Senators Mark Kelly of Arizona and Alex Padilla of California have joined as co-sponsors and emphasized the urgent need to adapt to the increasing severity of wildfire seasons across the western USA.

Senator Kelly commented: “In Arizona and across the west, wildfires are more frequent, more intense, and no longer confined to a single season. Our response capabilities need to reflect that new reality. Strengthening our aerial firefighting fleet by making more aircraft and parts available is a smart, proven way to help firefighters respond faster and keep communities safe. I’m proud to support this effort to ensure the tools are in place to meet the growing threat, and I’ll keep working to get it done.” 

Senator Padilla added: “Californians saw firsthand the power of our aerial wildfire suppression fleet in putting out the Los Angeles fires as quickly as possible. Shoring up aerial firefighting fleets by allowing the Department of Defense to sell excess aircraft parts is a lifesaving, commonsense priority – and I’m glad to see the Senate come together to unanimously pass this bipartisan legislation.”

Senator Heinrich has backed several efforts to reduce wildfire risks in New Mexico. In 2022, he secured $15 million for major upgrades at the Cibola National Forest Air Tanker Base. Completed in 2024, the improvements enable the base to support VLATs and maintain a 75,000gal retardant tank farm.

Heinrich has also collaborated with New Mexico’s congressional delegation to secure over $5 billion in federal recovery funds for victims of the devastating 2022 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, including extended deadlines for filing compensation claims.

Following its Senate passage, the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 will now move to the House of Representatives for approval.

Recently, an Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill Pump won ‘The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois’ award 2025.