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9/5/2025
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Op-Ed: Rhode Island is back at the table on wildfire readiness—Let’s make it count
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By Rep. Megan L. Cotter
This summer, Rhode Island showed up in a way we haven’t in decades—we finally filled our legislative seat on the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Commission (NFFPC). As our new appointee, I’m eager to help fulfill Rhode Island’s commitment to this incredible resource, alongside our Department of Environmental Management, which has been doing the hard work on our behalf for years.
And our full participation couldn’t come at a more important time.
Wildfires and climate-related emergencies aren’t just problems “out west” anymore. We’re seeing the impacts here, too—hotter summers, longer droughts and real pressure on our local fire departments and forest land. Being part of this compact means Rhode Island isn’t isolated. We’re part of a team.
The NFFPC connects Northeastern states and Canadian provinces to train together, plan together and help each other when disaster strikes. That’s not just good policy — it’s common sense.
One example that stuck with me: The L-380 Leadership Course, an advanced emergency management training, usually costs $25,000 per person. Through the Compact, our folks can access that training at a fraction of the cost—or even free. That’s the kind of bargain Rhode Island should never walk away from.
Another big takeaway? We’ve got to talk more about forest health. Other states shared how they’re tackling invasive pests, like Maine, which has passed a “moth law” to stop trees from being wiped out. Dead and damaged trees are wildfire fuel. If we want to keep our communities safe, we need to invest in healthy forests now—because once the fire starts, it’s already too late.
And let’s talk about gear. Rhode Island doesn’t have its own firefighting aircraft, and we probably never will. But through the Compact, we have access to shared planes and equipment when we need them—quickly and affordably.
Here’s the catch: Right now, most of this is supported by federal dollars. But no one knows how long that will last. Federal budgets shift every year. Disasters are increasing everywhere. We can’t count on D.C. to carry us forever.
That’s why we need to step up and put the Compact’s small costs into our state budget. It’s a small line item that makes a big difference—for training, coordination and getting help when we need it most.
Rhode Island never left the Compact — but for a while, we stopped fully showing up. Now we’re back. Let’s make sure we stay there. That means budgeting smart, prioritizing forest health and making sure the folks doing the work have what they need.
Preparedness isn’t optional. And Rhode Island deserves a seat at the table.
Rep. Megan L. Cotter is a Democrat who represents District 39 in Exeter, Richmond and Hopkinton.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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