U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) joined fellow California Reps. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) to introduce the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act on 8 May 2025.
This bipartisan bill ensures that federal, state, local and tribal firefighting agencies can use fire retardant, a vital tool used to contain or slow the spread of wildfires, without restraints from burdensome permitting regulations.
Rep. Kim said: “We need all hands on deck and all the tools in our arsenal during a wildfire. Fire retardant has proven to be safe and effective for containing and mitigating wildfires and I’m proud to join Reps.
“LaMalfa and Panetta to ensure its continued use. As the representative of many wildfire-prone areas, including in the canyon communities of Orange County, I will keep fighting to support commonsense policies to protect our communities.”
Rep. LaMalfa added: “Fire retardant is one of the most effective tools we have to stop wildfires from turning into disasters- especially in the West.
“Trying to ban its use during fire season isn’t just ridiculous, it’s dangerous. These extremist environmental groups are more worried about trace amounts of retardant than the real damage caused by out-of-control fires. Entire forests, homes, wildlife, and human lives are at stake.
“The smoke alone from one major wildfire can choke the air for hundreds of miles. We should be focused on stopping fires early, not tying firefighters’ hands with red tape.”
Rep. Panetta shared: “With nearly 9 million acres burned nationwide in 2024, the threat of wildfire is only growing.
“This bipartisan legislation would make clear that fire retardant must remain a critical part of our wildfire response strategy. Protecting our homes, our forests and those on the front lines keeping us safe remains our top priority.”
Reps. David Valadao (CA-22), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Darrell Issa (CA-48), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Vince Fong (CA-20), Adam Gray (CA-13), and Jim Costa (CA-21) also cosponsor this bipartisan bill.
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
The Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act was introduced on 8 May 2025, with the help of U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) joined fellow California Reps. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19).
