Bill would certify prescribed-burn managers, limit liability for certified burners after claims-fund study

HELENA — House Bill 84, sponsored by Rep. Steve Gist, would direct the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) to develop a certification program for private landowners and contractors who use prescribed fire, and it would change civil exposure for certified burners under a negligence standard. The committee adopted an amendment that delays liability protections until a claims-fund study and appropriation steps occur.

Rep. Steve Gist (R- District 25), the bill sponsor, told the House Natural Resources Committee HB84 “takes a crucial step in increasing the safety effectiveness of prescribed fire on private land” by requiring DNRC to establish rules and administer a prescribed-fire training program for “forestry and fire contractors.” The bill’s stated goals are to expand safe, trained use of prescribed fire as a fuel-reduction and forest-health tool and to complement mechanical treatments such as thinning and logging.

Wyatt Frampton, deputy division administrator for DNRC’s Forestry and Trust Lands Division, described three components…