Senate Bill 19 expands Nevada's wildfire compact partnerships with Great Plains and Northwest states

The Assembly Committee on Natural Resources convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 19, which aims to authorize the governor of Nevada to enter into interstate fire compacts. This bill, presented by Senator Julie Pizzina and State Fire Warden Casey Casey, emerged from an interim committee focused on enhancing the state's wildfire response capabilities.

Senator Pizzina emphasized the collaborative spirit of the interim committee, highlighting the unanimous support for the bill. The proposed legislation would allow the Nevada Division of Forestry to join the Great Plains and Northwest fire protection compacts, which facilitate the sharing of firefighting resources across state lines, including with Canadian provinces. Currently, Nevada is one of only two states not participating in these compacts, with California being the other.

State Fire Warden Casey Casey explained the significance of joining these compacts, noting that they would enable quicker mobilization of firefighting resources and improve reimbursement processes between states. He pointed out that while Nevada has relied on federal agreements for firefighting assistance, these can be slow and cumbersome. The compacts would streamline the process, allowing for faster responses during wildfire emergencies.

During the meeting, committee members raised questions about the historical reluctance to join these compacts, with Casey suggesting that the absence of neighboring states in the compacts may have contributed to this delay. He also addressed concerns regarding reimbursement from other states, assuring members that state-to-state reimbursements are typically prompt and governed by the agreements established within the compacts.

The discussions also touched on the potential for sharing best practices and training among states, which could enhance overall wildfire management strategies. Casey highlighted that participation in these compacts would not only improve resource sharing but also foster collaboration on wildfire management techniques.

In conclusion, the committee's deliberations on Senate Bill 19 reflect a proactive approach to addressing Nevada's wildfire challenges. By joining these interstate compacts, the state aims to bolster its firefighting capabilities and ensure a more coordinated response to wildfires, ultimately benefiting the safety and well-being of its communities. The committee's next steps will involve further discussions and potential voting on the bill, as Nevada seeks to enhance its wildfire preparedness and response framework.