As Wildfires Destroy and Displace, APCIA Says Congress Must Pass Fix Our Forests Act

Wildfires have again become a major headline as about 10% of the population of Spokane, Washington has been ordered to leave their homes, and hundreds of structures have been destroyed.

As of Aug. 5, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, 49 uncontained large fires were burning across Washington and Oregon. Thirteen states in all are reporting large fires, with elevated activity in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. More than 28,700 personnel fight fire incidents nationwide

In the meantime, sitting in Congress is a piece of federal legislation lawmakers in the House and Senate propped up following the destructive, headline-grabbing Los Angeles wildfires to start 2025.

The “Fix Our Forests Act” hasn’t seen any action since October 2025 when a version (S. 1462) was passed by a Senate committee. The American Property Casualty Insurance Association’s president and CEO would like to Congress act now.

“The devastating wildfires unfolding across the country underscore the urgent need for Congress to pass the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act,” said David A. Sampson. “The legislation would help reduce catastrophic wildfire risk through better forest management, hazardous fuels reduction, and stronger community resilience efforts. We cannot afford to remain trapped in a cycle of disaster and recovery.

“Congress should act now to advance proven mitigation solutions that help protect lives, property, and the long-term affordability and availability of insurance.”

Sampson said the insurance industry trade association urges the Senate to move on the measure or include it in the next legislative package to get it enacted. More than 40 organizations sought the inclusion of the Fix Our Forests Act as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. The letter can be found here.

Photo: A burned trailer from a wildfire in Georgia in April 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)