A grass fire burns along FM 54 on Thursday, April 7, 2022 (Ryan Crowe/FCR)
WASHINGTON, DC – As wildfire risks continue to escalate across the country, lawmakers are urging federal agencies to modernize the management of prescribed burns.
During a hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives this week, members questioned why the U.S. Forest Service hasn’t made broader use of infrared technology to detect hot spots in real time. Infrared tools are already used in some wildfire zones, but their coverage is inconsistent and often unavailable during controlled burns.
Federal officials acknowledged the concern and said emerging tools—like thermal sensors and unmanned aerial systems—could help reduce the risk of fires escaping containment lines. They also pointed to ongoing pilot programs aimed at integrating newer technologies into land management plans.
Prescribed burns remain an essential part of wildfire prevention, particularly in areas where overgrown vegetation has created hazardous fuel loads. However, after several high-profile escapes in recent years, lawmakers argue that more advanced monitoring tools could help prevent future incidents and protect both communities and rural lands.
