# Fire Management Assistance Grants for Tribal Governments Act

This bill creates a new federal grant program to help Native American tribal governments pay for wildfire management and response efforts. Right now, when wildfires threaten tribal lands or communities, tribes often struggle to get federal funding to help with prevention, preparation, and recovery. This bill would change that by making tribes eligible for the same kind of emergency fire assistance grants that states currently receive from the federal government.

The practical impact is straightforward: tribes dealing with major wildfires would be able to apply for federal money to cover costs like firefighting operations, equipment, training, and rebuilding after fires. This matters because tribal lands often face serious wildfire risks, but tribes typically have fewer resources than state governments to handle these emergencies on their own. By opening up this grant program to tribal governments, the bill recognizes that tribes need the same disaster support available to other communities when facing large-scale fires.

The bill essentially levels the playing field by treating tribal governments the same way the federal government treats states when it comes to fire emergencies. Instead of tribes having to navigate complicated workarounds or rely on limited alternative funding sources, they can now apply directly for assistance through an established federal program. This could mean faster response times, better-equipped firefighting efforts, and more resources for tribal communities to prepare for and recover from wildfires.

Fire Management Assistance Grants for Tribal Governments Act

Peters, Gary C.

Fire Management Assistance Grants for Tribal Governments ActThis bill allows Indian tribal governments to directly participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program, as opposed to participating through states.Currently, only states may submit requests to FEMA for declarations authorizing FMAG assistance, and Indian tribal governments affected by a fire must use a state’s authorization to receive FMAG assistance. The bill authorizes Indian tribal governments to submit FMAG declaration requests directly to&nbsp;FEMA and receive FMAG assistance under their own declarations. Indian tribal governments may still choose instead to receive&nbsp;FMAG assistance under an authorization requested by a state.Also, the bill requires FEMA to update its FMAG regulations within 360 days after enactment to carry out the bill.