Pueblo, CO – As wildfire season continues to extend beyond its traditional boundaries, Colorado lawmakers have moved swiftly to introduce a series of bills aimed at mitigating the increasing risks to communities. With wildfire dangers growing year-round, these measures, introduced during the first regular session of the 75th General Assembly, seek to address both immediate wildfire threats and long-term prevention strategies.
New Fire Fuel Removal Program Targets Private Property
One of the most significant legislative proposals is House Bill 25-1009, which seeks to give fire protection districts and certain metropolitan districts the authority to establish programs that would require private property owners to remove fire fuels, such as dry vegetation, from their land. The bill defines fire fuels as materials like dead grass, shrubs, leaves, and pine needles—common contributors to the rapid spread of wildfires.
This program, if approved, would align with the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code or an updated version of it, as well as the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code. The goal is to reduce the accumulation of combustible materials near urban areas, which are particularly vulnerable to wildfires. Under the proposed legislation, fire protection districts would send property owners written notices informing them of the need to remove these fire fuels. If property owners fail to act after receiving a second notice, they could face a fine of up to $300 per incident.
However, the bill offers some flexibility for homeowners. If the property owner removes the vegetation within 10 days of being fined, the fine will be waived. The bill also specifies that the revenue generated from fines will be reinvested into fire fuel removal within the same jurisdiction, with priority given to low-income, senior, disabled, or single homeowners.
In addition to these provisions, the bill allows for property owners to dispute fines. The fire protection district’s board has discretion to waive fines in cases where the foliage was already removed, if the owner faces financial difficulties, or if there are weather-related delays in clearing the vegetation. This effort seeks to balance the need for fire prevention with fairness for property owners.
Sponsored by Democratic Representatives Tisha Mauro and Junie Joseph, along with Senators Lisa Cutter and Nick Hinrichsen, HB 25-1009 has already passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Engaging Youth in Forestry and Firefighting Careers
In addition to wildfire prevention efforts, lawmakers are also focused on building a pipeline of young professionals to address future wildfire challenges. Senate Bill 25-1009 proposes initiatives to attract young people to careers related to forestry and wildfire management.
The bill would empower the Colorado Cooperative Extension Service at Colorado State University (CSU) to implement programs aimed at engaging youth in forestry and wildfire-related careers. These initiatives could include internships, industry certifications, and 4-H programs, providing students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience and education in this vital field. The bill also encourages monetary gifts to fund these programs, which would help expand opportunities for youth engagement in the forestry and wildfire sectors.
Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Colorado Department of Public Safety award grants to help individuals obtain firefighter certifications, fund “train-the-trainer” opportunities to ensure uniformity in training, and establish an outreach campaign to recruit new firefighters. These measures aim to strengthen the state’s firefighting workforce and ensure that future generations are equipped with the necessary skills and training to protect communities from wildfires.
The Colorado legislature’s focus on youth development in the firefighting and forestry fields underscores the growing recognition of the need for skilled professionals to address the escalating wildfire threat. With grants and educational programs, lawmakers hope to inspire and prepare the next generation of wildfire experts.
Legislative Action Amid Growing Concerns
With wildfires increasingly becoming a year-round threat, Colorado lawmakers are determined to address the risk of wildfires through a combination of prevention measures and workforce development. The introduction of these bills reflects a growing concern about wildfire preparedness and an effort to reduce the loss of life, property, and natural resources. As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, these legislative actions signal a proactive approach to safeguarding communities and ensuring that the state is better equipped to handle the challenges ahead.
Both of these bills are still under consideration, but the swift passage of HB 25-1009 demonstrates the urgency with which lawmakers are acting to confront the wildfire crisis. As Colorado faces more frequent and intense wildfire seasons, these legislative efforts may prove to be crucial in protecting residents and the environment.
