Senators Marshall & Merkley Introduce Legislation to Provide Federal Support for Post-Wildfire Cleanup

Washington - On Tuesday, U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced thePost-Wildfire Environmental Assistance Act, bipartisan legislation that will help communities in Kansas and across the Nation clean up hazardous materials and debris left behind following wildfires.

Under the bill, areas affected by wildfires that are granted Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) would be eligible for federal funding to cover hazardous material cleanup and debris removal, resources currently available only to areas that receive a Major Disaster Declaration. The bill also allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide technical guidance to help state and local governments safely manage hazardous materials left behind by wildfires.

"When a fast-moving wildfire tore through Yates Center and destroyed its nursing home, community members and first responders heroically evacuated every resident to safety. But the danger didn't end when the flames were extinguished. Wildfires leave behind hazardous debris, contaminated sites, and serious long-term health risks that small communities are often not equipped to manage on their own," said Senator Marshall. "I am proud to partner with Senator Merkley to ensure local governments have the tools and support they need to respond to wildfires, safely clean up hazardous debris, and protect the health and safety of their communities."

Senator Marshall, with residents and staff of Yates Center Health and Rehab Center, was destroyed by wildfire.

"Fighting wildfires requires strong, commonsense policies to support both prevention and recovery efforts," said Senator Merkley. "Our bipartisan bill comes after Oregonians were left with nothing to help clean up hazardous materials following a devastating wildfire. We can and should fix this to ensure all communities can safely clean up following a fire by unlocking federal assistance for state and local governments to clean up hazardous substances and materials that are too often left behind."

Since 2020, the following fires in Kansas have received Fire Management Assistance Grants:

• Yates Center Fire (March 2025)
• Haddam Fire (April 2023)
• Cottonwood Fire (March 2022)

Click here to read the full text of this legislation.

###

Contact: