The Empowering the U.S. Fire Administration Act will authorize the United States Fire Administration (USFA) to provide additional resources for local fire authorities to investigate fire origins and recommendations to prevent similar fires from reoccurring
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI-03) and Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH-16), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) introduced bicameral, bipartisan legislation to permit the United States Fire Administration to assist local firefighter investigators after a major fire. The “Empowering the U.S. Fire Administration Act” (H.R.7077) would authorize the U.S. Fire Administration to send safety specialists, fire protection engineers, codes and standards experts, researchers, and fire training specialists to collaborate and assist local firefighter investigators in their investigation. The bill also requires the U.S. Fire Administration to issue a report in coordination with federal, state, and local authorities on their findings and provide prevention recommendations.
“In Michigan, we experienced a significant rise in fire-related deaths during the first month of 2022,” said Rep. Stevens (D-MI). “Unfortunately, the Bureau of Fire Services reported that these increased fires in Michigan were all preventable. That is why I am joining my colleagues in introducing the Empowering the U.S. Fire Administration Act. This bill would unlock the expertise of federal fire safety specialists and engineers to collaborate and assist local firefighter investigators after a major fire incident in their community. The bill also looks forward by offering recommendations to prevent similar fires from occurring in the future.”
Representative Haley Stevens is Chair of the Subcommittee on Research & Technology of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Fire Administration and the legislation. Chairwoman Stevens was joined by Ranking Member Anthony Gonzalez in introducing this bipartisan bill.
According to the Bureau of Fire Services, fire-related deaths across Michigan increased by 144% in the first month of 2022 compared to 2021.
A key objective of the U.S. Fire Administration is to significantly reduce the nation's loss of life from fire, while also achieving a reduction in property loss and nonfatal injury due to fire. Although fire loss has improved significantly over the past 25 years, the fire problem in the United States remains serious. The United States still has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized world.
The Empowering the U.S. Fire Administration Act is part of a federal legislative package aimed at solving the underlying issues that caused the deadly fire and preventing future tragedies led by Rep. Ritchie Torres following the recent Twin Parks North West apartment building fire that took the lives of 17 New Yorkers.
“Today marks two months since the horrific fire at Twin Parks North West, and the Bronx community is still reeling from the loss of 17 individuals,” Rep. Torres (D-NY) said. “Tragic fires like Twin Parks North West are not isolated cases. We have seen similar fires occur in other cities throughout the countries, and it is past time for the federal government to sit ideally by. That is why I am proud to introduce the Empowering the U.S. Fire Administration Act. This will allow the USFA to have their fire specialists on the ground working with our local firefighters to investigate and issue recommendations on how to prevent fires like Twin Parks North West from happening again.”
“There is a clear need to ensure that every community has the resources and knowledge to protect itself during a fire as well as adequate support to recover after a fire,” said Rep. Gonzalez (R-OH). “By facilitating greater integration between local communities and federal partners, this legislation will improve communities’ ability to analyze fires and develop strategies capable of reducing the number of fires and their severity in the future. I’m pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation that will save lives and infrastructure.”
"Unfortunately, deadly fires are not uncommon, and too often they devastate families and communities,” said Rep. Meijer (R-MI). “This bill will help establish better coordination at the federal level to investigate these fires and ultimately prevent them from occurring. If we can resolve the underlying issues that make these tragedies more likely, we can save lives. I'm proud to help lead this bipartisan legislative effort."
The “Empowering the U.S. Fire Administration Act” is supported by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters.
“I thank Representatives Torres, Stevens, Meijer, and Gonzalez for introducing the ‘Empowering the U.S. Fire Administration Act,’” said Chief Kenneth W. Stuebing, BHSc, President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. “This bill would authorize the U.S. Fire Administration to examine the cause of tragic fires and share lifesaving information with local governments and the public to prevent future tragedies. The IAFC urges Congress to pass this bill.”
“The recent series of deadly fires, including the tragedy at the Twin Parks apartment which claimed 17 lives, highlights the need to better investigate and prevent fatal fires. We continue to see an unacceptable number of deaths and injuries among firefighters and the general public,” said General President Edward Kelly of the International Association of Fire Fighters. “Allowing the US Fire Administration to assist with fire investigations will help identify lessons learned to better avert future disasters. The IAFF thanks Reps. Torres, Stevens, Meijer, and Gonzalez for their leadership on this important issue, and I urge Congress to prioritize the safety of firefighters and the general public alike by passing this important legislation.”
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