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Assemblymember Grayson Introduces Bill to Reduce Wildfire Risk by Improving Prescribed Burn Standards and Training

For immediate release:

(SACRAMENTO) – Following the recent devastating wildfires that have affected communities across the state, Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord) has introduced AB 2091 to establish a Prescribed Fire Board which would develop standards and training requirements for prescribed burn managers. The bill would also provide liability protections for landowners who conduct burns in accordance with the standards the Board develops.

After introducing AB 2091 Assemblymember Grayson said, "Prescribed fire is an essential tool for managing wildfire risk, conserving precious firefighting resources, promoting forest and watershed health, and reducing the devastating property and environmental damage caused by mega-fires. Other states with high fire incidence have similar comprehensive programs to regulate and encourage prescribed burning, and this bill will align California with best practices found around the country."

Prescribed fire is fire that is intentionally ignited under known conditions of fuel, weather, and topography to achieve specified objectives, under the close supervision of CalFire and local fire authorities. It is used in a variety of landscapes and contexts in California for wildfire hazard reduction, ecosystem restoration, vegetation management, and wildlife habitat enhancement. Prescribed fire is utilized by state and federal land management agencies, timber companies, tribes, non-governmental organizations, and private landowners, but factors like a lack of trained personnel, inadequate funding, and insurance limitations have prevented the practice from being deployed at the needed scale.

Assemblymember Timothy S. Grayson represents the 14th Assembly District which includes the communities of Clayton, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Benicia, and Vallejo. For more information, please visit https://a15.asmdc.org/