Methodology for the Wildfire Spending Database

This database catalogs federal appropriations for wildfire and wildfire-related activities across the federal government and includes information and insights on these programs. It is not a complete record of historical and current federal wildfire spending, as numerous federal programs and appropriations line items intersect with wildfire policy to varying degrees, and appropriations data of these programs are not always provided by federal agencies.

Categories of Wildfire Activities

There is no standardized definition for the categories of wildfire activities included in this database—Mitigation, Preparedness, Research, Recovery, Response—despite their frequent use. We exercised discretion in determining which activities are funded within a program or line item and which category they fall under.

All programs or line items intersect with multiple types of wildfire activities. Recovery efforts often integrate mitigation activities to help communities and landscapes become more resilient. Preparedness, primarily focused on future response, may also incorporate recovery plans. Research into wildfire fundamentals can lead to improvements in mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. For the purposes of this database, the activity category reflects the program or line item’s primary goal. In cases where a program or line item has broad wildfire-related objectives that do not clearly match an activity type), it is categorized as “Other.” For example, Department of Interior Wildfire Fire Management Facilities Construction and Maintenance line item, which oversees all wildfire facilities, generally supports all activities and activity types conducted by the Department.

It is important to note that category type is determined by the intended outcome of the activity or activities, not the actual outcome. This distinction is especially relevant for mitigation activities. For example, some programs or appropriations line items, such as fuel treatment or hazardous fuel reduction, subsidize the production of forest products or the development of wood markets. These activities may not actually reduce the risk of wildfire. 

Appropriations Data

Appropriations information, when provided, primarily comes from the direct language of appropriations bills or their accompanying explanatory text. In some cases, alternative spending information is used, such as direct/mandatory spending for certain farm bill programs (e.g., Federally Subsidized Crop Insurance) or budget authority or contract authority from larger funds (e.g., Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Discretionary Grant Program). These exceptions are noted in the “Notes on Appropriations Data” section. If a program or line item in the database lacks complete appropriations information, this is also noted and explained in the same section.

TCS Insights and Recommendations

Some “Notes on Program” entries reflect the subjective opinion of Taxpayers for Common Sense, informed by over 30 years of experience tracking and analyzing federal spending across the federal budget. Many of these insights and recommendations are also included in our 2023 report Clearing the Smoke: A Closer Look at Federal Spending and Programs on Wildfire.