When Arizona communities clean up from wildfires, they frequently turn to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance.
But the agency does not cover all damages. Wildfire can scour watersheds and strip vegetation, which can lead to severe floods, such as the ones that Flagstaff and Miami have recently experienced.
During hearings late last year on federal wildfire response, members of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Water learned that FEMA does not cover post-fire flooding.
Although the panel has not presented its findings, it has drafted a request urging the agency to change those rules.
The bill moves forward after a unanimous vote.
