Bill to Prevent Catastrophic Wildfires Moves Forward

DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to combat destructive wildfires through strategic prescribed burns. SB25-007 would encourage wildfire mitigation efforts. 

“Wildfire season is year-round in Colorado, and our communities need all the wildfire mitigation tools available,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “This bill would make it easier for communities to conduct prescribed burns, which are a cost-effective way to reduce the amount of fuel available for a wildfire. Fire is a natural part of our ecosystem, and with the guidance of a certified burn manager, Colorado communities can take steps today to reduce the size and intensity of destructive wildfires in the future.”

SB25-007 is also sponsored by Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland. Low-intensity fire, applied through prescribed burns overseen by burn managers, can reduce fuel loads and restore fire-adapted ecosystems. SB25-007 would strengthen Colorado’s wildfire mitigation efforts by encouraging controlled, prescribed burns. To keep communities safe, plans for prescribed burns must be reviewed by the Division of Fire Prevention and Control. 

As recommended by the Wildfire Matters Review Committee, this bill would compensate Coloradans if their property is damaged during prescribed burns. It would also address workforce shortages that are a barrier to expanding the use of prescribed fires by allowing interstate reciprocity in the certified burner program, which certifies individuals to conduct prescribed burns.

This legislation better allows utility companies to perform wildfire mitigation, broadening access to a financing mechanism that will reduce mitigation costs for utility ratepayers. To ensure state oversight, plans must be approved by the Public Utilities Commission.