Prescribed fires would become standard measures against larger, more destructive wildfires under legislation sponsored by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden and Joe Manchin of West Virginia.
The National Prescribed Fire Act of 2021 would establish $300 million each for the U.S. Forest Service and Department of the Interior, to plan and carry out controlled burns on government and private lands.
Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden says his bill would also encourage and train wildland firefighters to become prescribed fire practitioners.
“To make sure that controlled burns are carried out during the proper conditions, under the proper supervisions with wildland firefighters at the ready, we’re putting a special focus on all those aspects, of conducting the prescribed burns in a way to save property and protect lives.”
The legislation had a hearing last month in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Supporters include the National Association of State Foresters and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians of Oregon.
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