Sen. Kelly Statement on the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission’s Latest Report

Kelly and Romney championed the creation of the nonpartisan commission in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly issued this statement following the release of the Aerial Equipment Strategy report from the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, which offered recommendations to meet aerial firefighting equipment needs. Kelly and Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) led and championed the creation of the Commission in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

“As wildfires continue to pose serious risks to Arizona communities, infrastructure, and the environment, it’s important that we consider a range of innovative solutions that strengthen our efforts to mitigate and prevent devastating wildfires. This includes looking at ways that we can invest in better technology and aviation resources to support our firefighters on the ground more quickly and efficiently. I appreciate the Commission’s thoughtful recommendations which will inform our work in the Senate. I will continue to work with my Republican and Democratic colleagues on solutions that ensure our firefighters have the staffing and resources needed to keep Arizonans safe,” said Senator Kelly, who championed the creation of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The Kelly-established Commission is responsible for making recommendations to improve federal policies related to the prevention, mitigation, and management of wildland fires in the United States. In 2021 alone, over 500,000 acres burned in Arizona, damaging homes, small businesses, and agricultural properties, according to the National Interagency Fire Council. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, shaped by Kelly, invests $8.25 billion to protect communities against wildfires, support wildfire recovery efforts, and reduce hazardous fuels on federal, state, and tribal lands.

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