United States Fire Administration:
An Overview
Lennard G. Kruger
Specialist in Science and Technology Policy
April 10May 7, 2013
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
RS20071
CRS Report for Congress
Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress
United States Fire Administration: An Overview
Summary
The United States Fire Administration (USFA)—which includes the National Fire Academy
(NFA)—is currently housed within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The objective of the USFA is to significantly reduce
the nation’s loss of life from fire, while also achieving a reduction in property loss and non-fatal
injury due to fire.
P.L. 112-74, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY2012, provided $44.038 million for USFA
in FY2012. The FY2013 budget proposal requested $42.52 million for USFA, a 3.4% reduction
from the FY2012 level. Of the requested total appropriation, $13.327 million would be allocated
to the National Fire Academy.
The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (P.L. 113-6) fundsfunded USFA at
$4443.942 million. Additionally, the United States Fire Administration and Training budget account is
is subject to a 5.0% sequestration cut, putting the FY2013 level for USFA at $42 million (according
to an estimate from the Congressional Fire Service Institute)41.726 million.
The FY2014 budget proposal requests $41.306 million for USFA. Of the requested total
appropriation, $12.267 million would be allocated to the National Fire Academy, $11.205 million
to National Fire Programs, and $17.834 million to National Emergency Training Center (NETC)
Management, Operations and Support.
On January 2, 2013, the President signed P.L. 112-239, the FY2013 National Defense
Authorization Act. Title XVIII, Subtitle B is the United States Fire Administration
Reauthorization Act of 2012, which authorizes USFA at an annual level of $76,490,890 for
FY2013 through FY2017.
Concerns in the 113th Congress over the federal budget deficit could impact future funding levels
for the USFA. Debate over the USFA budget has focused on whether the USFA is receiving an
appropriate level of funding to accomplish its mission, given that appropriations for USFA have
consistently been well below the agency’s authorized level. An ongoing issue is the viability and
status of the USFA and National Fire Academy within the Department of Homeland Security.
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United States Fire Administration: An Overview
Contents
Background ...................................................................................................................................... 1
Budget .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Appropriations ........................................................................................................................... 23
FY2010 ................................................................................................................................ 3
FY2011 ................................................................................................................................ 3
FY2012 ................................................................................................................................ 34
FY2013 ................................................................................................................................ 4
FY2014 ................................................................................................................................ 5
Authorizations ........................................................................................................................... 5
Assistance to Firefighters Program (FIRE Act Grants) ................................................................... 7
Issues in the 113th Congress ............................................................................................................. 7
Tables
Table 1. Appropriations, U.S. Fire Administration .......................................................................... 2
Contacts
Author Contact Information............................................................................................................. 8
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United States Fire Administration: An Overview
Background
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) is currently an entity within the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Its
mission is to provide leadership, coordination, and support for the nation’s fire prevention and
control, fire training and education, and emergency medical services activities, and to prepare
first responders and health care leaders to react to all hazard and terrorism emergencies of all
kinds. One of USFA’s key objectives is to significantly reduce the nation’s loss of life from fire,
while also achieving a reduction in property loss and non-fatal 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. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2011 there were 3,005
civilian fire deaths, 17,500 civilian fire injuries, and an estimated $11.66 billion in property
damage.1 According to the NFPA, there were 61 on-duty firefighter deaths in 2011.2
The genesis of USFA and FEMA’s fire prevention and control activities can be found in the
landmark 1973 report of the National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control,3 entitled
America Burning. The commission recommended the creation of a federal fire agency which
would provide support to state and local governments and private fire organizations in their
efforts to reduce fire deaths, injuries, and property loss. The commission recommended that this
new agency be placed within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Congress
instead opted to place the agency in the Department of Commerce, and with the passage of the
Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-498),4 the National Fire Prevention and
Control Administration (NFPCA) was established. In 1978, Congress changed the name of
NFPCA to USFA (P.L. 95-422), and in 1979, President Carter’s Reorganization Plan No. 3 placed
the USFA within the newly created FEMA. Also in 1979, the National Fire Academy (NFA) in
Emmitsburg, MD, was opened, offering courses and training to fire service personnel and other
persons engaged in fire prevention and control.
During the early 1980s, the Reagan Administration proposed the elimination of the USFA (while
preserving the Fire Academy). Although Congress did not allow the termination of the USFA, the
agency suffered severe staff reductions and the Fire Academy was separated from the USFA and
housed organizationally with other FEMA emergency training programs. In 1991, the NFA was
subsequently reorganized back into the USFA, where it remains today.
Currently, the USFA is located on the grounds of the National Emergency Training Center in
Emmitsburg, MD. USFA programs include the following:
Data Collection—USFA’s National Fire Data Center (NFDC) administers a national system for
collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data and information on fire and other emergency
incidents to state and local governments and the fire community. The NFDC provides a national
1
Karter, Michael J., National Fire Protection Association, Fire Loss in the United States During 2011, September
2012, available at http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/OS.fireloss.pdf.
2
National Fire Protection Association, Firefighter Fatalities in the United States – 2011, June 2012, available at
http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/osfff.pdf.
3
The commission was created by P.L. 90-259, the Fire Research and Safety Act of 1968.
4
15 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.
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United States Fire Administration: An Overview
analysis of the fire problem, identifying problem areas for which prevention and mitigation
strategies are needed.
Public Education and Awareness—Through partnerships and special initiatives, USFA involves
the fire service, the media, other federal agencies, and safety interest groups in the development
and delivery of fire safety awareness and education programs. These programs are targeted at
those groups most vulnerable to the hazards of fire, including the young, elderly, and disabled.
Training—USFA’s National Fire Academy (NFA) offers educational opportunities for the
advanced professional development of the mid-level and senior fire/EMS officer and allied
professionals involved in fire prevention and life safety activities. The academy develops and
delivers educational and training programs with a national focus that supplement and support
state and local fire service training. The NFA also offers training to support the National Incident
Management System Integration Center (NIC) and nationwide implementation of the National
Incident Management System (NIMS).
Research and Technology—Through research, testing, and evaluation, USFA works with public
and private entities to promote and improve fire and life safety. Research and special studies are
conducted on fire detection, suppression, and notification systems, as well as issues related to
firefighter and emergency responder health and safety. Research results are published and made
available to the public free of charge through the USFA Publications Center.
In fulfilling its mission, the USFA uses the assets of the National Fire Academy, the National
Emergency Training Center (NETC) Facilities and Support Services, and the National Fire
Programs Division.
Budget
The USFA receives its appropriation through the House and Senate Appropriations
Subcommittees on Homeland Security. Table 1 shows recent and proposed appropriated funding
for USFA.
Table 1. Appropriations, U.S. Fire Administration
(millions of dollars)
U.S. Fire
Administration
a.
FY2011
Admin.
Request
FY2011
(P.L.
112-10)
FY2012
Admin.
Request
FY2012
(P.L.
112-74)
FY2013
Admin.
Request
FY2013
(P.L.
113-6)
FY2014
(Admin.
Request)
46
45.5
42.5
44
42.5
42a
41.3
U.S. Fire
Administration
a.
Post-sequester level as estimated by the Congressional Fire Service Institute.Post-sequester level according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2013 Post-Sequestration
Operating Plan.
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United States Fire Administration: An Overview
Appropriations
Beginning in FY2004, the USFA was funded through the Preparedness, Mitigation, Response,
and Recovery (PMRR) account within the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate of
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United States Fire Administration: An Overview
the Department of Homeland Security. On July 13, 2005, then-DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff
announced a restructuring of DHS, effective October 1, 2005. USFA was removed from the
PMRR account and received a separate appropriation (its own line item) under the new DHS
Directorate for Preparedness. The FY2007 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill
(P.L. 109-295) transferred the USFA back to the Federal Emergency Management Agency within
DHS.
FY2010
The Obama Administration’s FY2010 budget proposal requested $45.588 million for USFA, an
increase of 1.3% from the FY2009 level. The increase would be used for pay inflation and an
increased contribution to the DHS Working Capital Fund.
Both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees approved $45.588 million for USFA, the
same level as the Administration’s proposal. The House Appropriations Committee (H.R. 2892;
H.Rept. 111-157) designated $9.304 million for the National Fire Academy and $1.419 million to
continue implementation of the National Fire Information Reporting System (NFIRS). The Senate
Appropriations Committee (S. 1298; S.Rept. 111-31) directed USFA to work with the Department
of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior to ensure that compatible data on wildfires are
available, and directed USFA to brief the committee on the status of the NFIRS upgrade.
The House passed H.R. 2892, the Department of Homeland Security FY2010 appropriations bill,
on June 24, 2009. The Senate passed H.R. 2892 on July 9, 2009. The conference report for the
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 (H.Rept. 111-298), provided
$45.588 million for USFA, identical to the levels in both the House- and Senate-passed H.R.
2892. The conferees directed USFA to work with the Department of Agriculture and the
Department of the Interior to ensure that compatible data on wildfires are available, and directed
USFA to provide a briefing within 30 days on the status of the NFIRS upgrade, including future
milestones for measuring progress. The conference report was passed by the House on October
15, by the Senate on October 20, and signed into law, P.L. 111-83, on October 28, 2009.
FY2011
The Administration’s FY2011 budget proposal requested $45.930 million for USFA, an increase
of 0.7% from the FY2010 level. The increase of $342,000 would be used for pay inflation. On
July 14, 2010, the House Subcommittee on Homeland Security Appropriations approved $45.930
million, the same level proposed by the Administration. On July 19, 2010, the Senate
Appropriations Committee also approved $45.930 million for the USFA (S. 3607; S.Rept. 111222).
The Department of Defense and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 (P.L. 112-10), funded
USFA at the FY2010 level of $45.588 million.
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United States Fire Administration: An Overview
FY2012
The FY2012 budget proposal requested $42.538 million for USFA, about 7% under the FY2011
level. The budget proposal reflects an overall $1.72 million program reduction. Specific decreases
include reducing National Fire Academy class deliveries with the result that, according to the
budget justification, 13,500 fewer students will be trained. Another decrease would eliminate TV
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United States Fire Administration: An Overview
studio/broadcast capabilities that deliver critical information and training to all first responders on
the campus site and across the nation. According to the budget justification, such a reduction
would affect USFA’s capability to transmit critical information and just-in-time training during
national and regional disasters, and would require USFA to rely upon private sources to be
accessed (if available) in order to reach first-wave responders. Other program reductions include
eliminating USFA citizen and fire and life prevention research efforts, reducing response efforts,
and eliminating wireless capabilities provided to 25,000 resident students and special group
participants in the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) dormitories.
The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, 2012 (H.R. 2017), was reported by
the House Appropriations Committee on May 26, 2011. The House bill would provide $42.538
million for USFA, the same as the Administration request. The House Appropriations bill report
(H.Rept. 112-91) requested that future budget justifications identify funding levels for the
National Fire Academy, the National Fire Incident Reporting System, and any other initiatives.
The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations, 2012, bill (H.R. 2017) was passed by the
House on June 2, 2011.
On September 7, 2011, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $45.038 million for USFA
in FY2012 (S.Rept. 112-74), which is a 6% increase over the House-passed level and the
Administration request.
P.L. 112-74, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY2012, provided $44.038 million for USFA
in FY2012.
FY2013
The FY2013 budget proposal requested $42.52 million for USFA, a 3.4% reduction from the
FY2012 level. Of the requested total appropriation, $13.327 million would be allocated to the
National Fire Academy, $11.175 million to National Fire Programs (including $2.774 million for
NFIRS), and $18.018 million to NETC Management, Operations and Support.
Proposed FY2013 cuts for USFA would include reducing NFIRS technical support contract
(-$192,000); reducing prevention activities and discontinuing Safe Kids and Volunteer Fire &
Rescue Initiatives (-$410,000); reducing wildfire initiatives, discontinuing Wildland/Urban
Interface-Fire Adapted Communities, and reducing support to National Wildfire Coordinating
Group (-$125,000); discontinuing support to Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (-$50,000);
eliminating 18 NFA course deliveries (-$300,000); reducing TRADE5 and State Fire Training
Grant Programs and eliminating Harvard Program (-$275,000); and reducing NFA course
development efforts (-$281,000).
5
The Training Resources and Data Exchange (TRADE) program is a regionally based network designed to foster the
exchange of fire-related training information and resources among federal, state, and local governments.
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United States Fire Administration: An Overview
On May 16, 2012, The House Appropriations Committee approved its version of the FY2013
Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill (H.R. 5855). The committee recommended
$42.46 million for USFA, which is $60,000 below the Administration request and $1.578 million
below the FY2012 level (a 3.6% reduction). The committee report (H.Rept. 112-492) requested
that future Administration budget justifications include funding levels for the National Fire
Academy and the National Fire Incident Reporting System, as well as any new initiatives.
5
The Training Resources and Data Exchange (TRADE) program is a regionally based network designed to foster the
exchange of fire-related training information and resources among federal, state, and local governments.
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United States Fire Administration: An Overview
On May 22, 2012, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $44.020 million for USFA for
FY2013 (S. 3216). The Senate mark is $1.5 million above the Administration request. According
to the committee report (S.Rept. 112-169), the amount included above the request will allow for
the continued development of the National Fire Incident Reporting System and continue
programs that promote fire safety and fire prevention in the wildland urban interface.
The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (P.L. 113-6) fundsfunded USFA at
$4443.942 million. Additionally, the United States Fire Administration and Training budget account is
is subject to a sequestration cut of 5%. According to the Congressional Fire Service InstituteDHS, this
puts the FY2013 level for USFA at $42
$41.726 million.6
FY2014
The FY2014 budget proposal requests $41.306 million for USFA, a $2.732 million reduction
from the FY2012 level. Of the requested total appropriation, $12.267 million would be allocated
to the National Fire Academy, $11.205 million to National Fire Programs (including $3.021
million for NFIRS), and $17.834 million to NETC Management, Operations and Support.
Proposed FY2014 cuts for USFA would include: reducing NFA course revision and development
efforts (-$110,000); eliminating 18 NFA course deliveries, decrease in prevention activities,
research studies, response activities and contract consolidations (-$979,000); reducing wildfire
initiatives, discontinuing Wildland/Urban Interface-Fire Adapted Communities, and reducing
support to National Wildfire Coordinating Group (-$110,000); and reducing TRADE7and the
State Fire Training Assistance Grants Program and eliminating the Harvard Program (-$275,000).
Additionally, the Administration proposes transferring the NFA’s State Fire Training Assistance
Grants Program (-$1,000,000) to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which will award
funds competitively.
Authorizations
The U.S. Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-169) was signed into law on
December 6, 2003. The act reauthorized the USFA through FY2008 at the following levels: $63
million for FY2005, $64.85 million for FY2006, $66.796 million for FY2007, and $68.8 million
for FY2008. P.L. 108-169 also reestablished the presidentially appointed position of the U.S. Fire
Administrator, which had been statutorily abolished by the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
Additionally, the legislation directed the USFA to develop new firefighting technologies and
6
Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2013 Post-Sequestration
Operating Plan, April 26, 2013, p. 17.
7
The Training Resources and Data Exchange (TRADE) program is a regionally based network designed to foster the
exchange of fire-related training information and resources among federal, state, and local governments.
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United States Fire Administration: An Overview
standards in coordination with private sector standards groups and federal, state, and local
agencies. P.L. 108-169 required that equipment purchased with fire grant money meet or exceed
voluntary consensus standards when feasible.
The United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008 was signed into law on
October 8, 2008 (P.L. 110-376). P.L. 110-376 authorized the USFA at $70 million for FY2009,
$72.1 million for FY2010, $74.263 million for FY2011, and $76.491 million for FY2012.
6
Congressional Fire Service Institute, “Congress Approves Fiscal Year 2013 Spending Measure,” March 21, 2013,
available at http://www.cfsi.org/news/cfsiupdate.cfm?pr_ID=148.
7
The Training Resources and Data Exchange (TRADE) program is a regionally based network designed to foster the
exchange of fire-related training information and resources among federal, state, and local governments.
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United States Fire Administration: An Overview
Provisions include authorizing National Fire Academy training program modifications and
reports; directing the National Fire Academy to provide training on incidents occurring in the
wildfire-urban interface, multi-jurisdictional fires, hazardous materials incidents, and advanced
emergency medical services; authorizing USFA to enter into contracts with one or more
nationally recognized third-party organizations to deliver training; a report on the feasibility of
providing incident command training for fires at ports and in marine environments; national fire
incident reporting system upgrades; sponsoring and disseminating research on fire prevention and
control at the wildland-urban interface; encouraging adoption of national voluntary consensus
standards for firefighter health and safety; establishing a state and local fire service position at the
National Operations Center within DHS; providing coordination regarding fire prevention and
control and emergency medical services; and expressing congressional support for USFA
recommendations for adoption and education regarding sprinklers in commercial and residential
buildings.
On January 2, 2013, the President signed P.L. 112-239, the FY2013 National Defense
Authorization Act. Title XVIII, Subtitle B is the United States Fire Administration
Reauthorization Act of 2012, which authorizes USFA through FY2017. P.L. 112-239 contains the
following provisions:
•
reauthorizes USFA at an annual level of $76,490,890 for FY2013 through
FY2017, and for each fiscal year sets aside $2,753,672 to be used to carry out
Section 8(f) of the Fire Prevention and Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2207) related to
evaluation of technology and development of standards;
•
authorizes the USFA Administrator to appoint a Deputy Administrator;
•
authorizes the Administrator to take such steps as the Administrator considers
appropriate to educate the public and overcome public indifference as to fire, fire
prevention, and individual preparedness; and
•
removes the limitation on funding levels for updating the National Fire Incident
Reporting System.
Additionally, P.L. 112-239 directs the USFA to conduct a study on the level of compliance with
national voluntary consensus standards for staffing, training, safe operations, personal protective
equipment, and fitness among the fire services of the United States. Not later than two years after
enactment, the Administrator is directed to submit to Congress a report on the study findings.
P.L. 112-239 also directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a Task Force to
Enhance Firefighter Safety, which will review the USFA study on fire service standards and
develop a plan to enhance firefighter safety by increasing fire service standards compliance. The
Task Force will subsequently report its findings to Congress and DHS.
Finally, the USFA is directed to conduct a study to define the current roles and activities
associated with fire services on a national, state, regional, and local level; to identify equipment,
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United States Fire Administration: An Overview
staffing, and training needs; and to measure the impact of firefighter assistance grants (AFG and
SAFER) in meeting the needs of the fire service. Not later than two years after enactment, the
Administrator is directed to submit a report on the findings. P.L. 112-239 authorizes $600,000 for
FY2013 and $600,000 for FY2014 in order for USFA to carry out study and reporting
requirements.
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Assistance to Firefighters Program (FIRE Act
Grants)8
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, also known as the FIRE Act grant program,
was established by Title XVII of the FY2001 Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization
Act (P.L. 106-398). The program provides federal grants directly to local fire departments and
unaffiliated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations to help address a variety of
equipment, training, and other firefighter-related and EMS needs. A related program is the
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Firefighters (SAFER) program, which
provides grants for hiring, recruiting, and retaining firefighters.9
Since its inception, the fire grant program has been administered by FEMA/USFA (FY2001FY2003), the Office for Domestic Preparedness (FY2004), the Office of State and Local
Government Coordination Preparedness (FY2005), and the Office of Grants and Training in the
DHS Directorate for Preparedness (FY2006). The FY2007 DHS Appropriations Act (P.L. 109295) transferred USFA to FEMA and the fire and SAFER grants to the Grants Programs
Directorate in FEMA. Congressional appropriations reports have consistently instructed DHS to
maintain USFA involvement in the grant administration process for AFG and SAFER grants.
Issues in the 113th Congress
Concerns in the 113th Congress over the federal budget deficit could impact future funding levels
for the USFA. Debate over the USFA budget has focused on whether the USFA is receiving an
appropriate level of funding to accomplish its mission, given that appropriations for USFA have
consistently been well below the agency’s authorized level.
An ongoing issue is the viability and status of the USFA and National Fire Academy within the
Department of Homeland Security. While supportive of the reorganization of FEMA into DHS,
many in the fire service community have cautioned that USFA and NFA programs—which
address the day-to-day challenges faced by fire departments—should not be overshadowed in an
organization which focuses on homeland security and counterterrorism. Since the establishment
of DHS in March 2003, fire service groups have opposed a number of actions DHS has taken
with respect to the USFA and NFA. These included the abolishment of the presidentially
appointed position of U.S. Fire Administrator (subsequently reestablished by enactment of the
USFA Reauthorization Act of 2003); proposed cancellations of some NFA courses in 2003 due to
an across-the-board FEMA budget cut (those NFA courses were subsequently restored after fire
service protests); and the transfer of the fire grant program from the USFA to the DHS Office for
Domestic Preparedness.
8
For more information on the fire grant program, see CRS Report RL32341, Assistance to Firefighters Program:
Distribution of Fire Grant Funding, by Lennard G. Kruger.
9
For more details on the SAFER grant program, see CRS Report RL33375, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency
Response: The SAFER Grant Program, by Lennard G. Kruger.
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United States Fire Administration: An Overview
an across-the-board FEMA budget cut (those NFA courses were subsequently restored after fire
service protests); and the transfer of the fire grant program from the USFA to the DHS Office for
Domestic Preparedness.
Author Contact Information
Lennard G. Kruger
Specialist in Science and Technology Policy
lkruger@crs.loc.gov, 7-7070
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