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DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to prevent and mitigate wildfire destruction in Colorado. HB25-1009, sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro and Junie Joesph, would encourage local governments to reduce dead vegetation that often fuels wildfires.
“Taking steps now to mitigate the risk of destructive wildfires will keep our communities safer,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “This bill encourages property owners to reduce dead vegetation around their property, which can often accelerate wildfires. Wildfire season in Colorado is now year-round, and property owners play and important role in limiting the risk of wildfire destruction.”
“Our bill takes a proactive approach to combat destructive wildfires and keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “We know that wildfires can spread quickly and this bill empowers local communities to reduce dead vegetation that can act as an accelerator to wildfires. Keeping our communities safe is a top priority, and this legislation proactively mitigates wildfire risks to protect our businesses and homes.”
HB25-1009, passed the House of 42-20 and would give fire protection and metropolitan districts the tools to mitigate fire risks locally, improving community safety. Specifically, the bill would encourage local governments to create programs to help property owners reduce dead or dry vegetation around their property.
Dead plant materials, such as leaves, grass, shrubs, dead leaves, and fallen pine needles, can accelerate wildfires. This bill aims to empower communities to reduce dry vegetation to keep neighborhoods, businesses and homes safer from destructive wildfires.
On Thursday, February 6, the House passed another bill sponsored by Representative Mauro to keep Coloradans safe. HB25-1039, also sponsored by Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, will extend legal immunity to property owners when first responders access their property during an emergency.
HB25-1039 passed the House on Thursday by a vote of 64-0 and aims to protect property owners from civil liability during an emergency, only if it is unrelated to their negligence or misconduct.