Californians operating prescribed burns no longer will be held liable for suppression costs and other fire-related efforts if their burns get out of control under a new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Oct. 6.
California has authorized intentional fires for years to improve agriculture and forest health, and to reduce wildfire threats by burning existing fuel.
“Controlled burning is a valuable tool in addressing the buildup of fuels in our parched forests and wildlands,” said bill author Sen. Bill Dodd (R-Napa) in a press release. “Its use can save us from ever worsening conditions caused by drought and climate change.”
