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Bill would let DNRC act on fires near state property when federal response is unclear; agency and sponsor emphasize safety and cost recovery
Summary
Rep. Lou Jones and DNRC officials urged the committee to back HB 130, which would direct the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to act on fires near state or private property when federal response is ambiguous, with an aim to protect lives, property and reduce large fires.
Representative Lou Jones introduced House Bill 130 to clarify DNRC authority and expectations for initial attack when fires originate on federal lands but threaten private or state property near state-managed boundaries.
Amanda Kaster, director of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, testified the bill is intended to "encourage safe and aggressive initial attack on all lands within the state where private property and communities are threatened and where there is ambiguity in federal wildfire response and decision making." She told the committee the state keeps…
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