FLAME Act
The Firefighter Learning And Management Education Act (FLAME Act) would amend the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to give the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration clear authority to cancel or delay large-scale courses and programs offered by the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control (the Academy). It creates a formal process for such cancellations, including advance notice to Congress (60 days) and to affected students and fire departments (notifying at least 45 days before a course starts), definitions of what counts as a covered course and a large-scale cancellation, and a mechanism to reimburse fire departments for certain expenses (travel, backfill) related to cancelled participation. The bill also requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study by March 30, 2026 assessing the impact of cancellations and related matters, and establishes criteria for what constitutes “good cause” and what constitutes a large-scale cancellation (cancelling at least 25% of planned courses in a fiscal year). Overall, the bill aims to provide oversight and financial protections for departments affected by Academy cancellations while ensuring continued national preparedness through a formal cancellation framework.
Key Points
- 1The Administrator is authorized to implement a large-scale cancellation action for covered courses or programs at the Academy, with a defined process for notification and justification.
- 2Congress must receive notice of planned large-scale cancellations at least 60 days before implementation (or as soon as practicable in exigent circumstances); affected students and fire department heads must be informed at least 45 days before the start date.
- 3The bill defines “covered course or program,” “covered expense,” and “large-scale cancellation action,” and sets the threshold for a large-scale cancellation at 25% or more of the total planned courses in a fiscal year.
- 4Fire departments can request reimbursement for certain expenses (travel and backfill) related to cancelled participation, with timelines: itemization within 30 days of the intended start date and reimbursement within 90 days after the Administrator receives the itemization, subject to certain exceptions for good cause.
- 5A GAO study must be completed by March 30, 2026, evaluating the impact of cancellations in 2025, potential negative consequences, interoperability and mutual aid value, and detailed data on student participation and course demand.