DATE: May 1, 2018
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Supervisor Nathan Magsig, District 5
SUBJECT: Assembly Bill 2585 (Patterson) - Prescribed Burns: Burn Managers: Liability
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Authorize the Board of Supervisors to execute letter in support of Assembly Bill 2585 (Patterson), as amended April 9, 2018; and
2. Authorize the Board of Supervisors to execute future letters through the legislative process with similar content in support of Assembly Bill 2585 (Patterson).
REPORT
Approval of the recommended actions would authorize the execution of letters in support of Assembly Bill 2585 (AB 2585). AB 2585 would promote the utilization of prescribed burning by establishing a voluntary certification process for prescribed burn managers under the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFIRE).
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Your Board could choose not to execute the letter of support.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
DISCUSSION:
AB 2585 will help promote the utilization of prescribed fire in the state’s forested lands as a tool to maintain healthy forests by establishing a voluntary certification process for prescribed burn managers under CalFire. In addition, property owners who conduct a prescribed burn under the supervision of a burn manager will no longer be held liable for damage or injury caused by fire or smoke, unless negligence is proven. Under this bill, CalFire will secure an insurance policy to provide compensation for any injuries or property damage resulting from the prescribed fire operations performed in accordance with permitted guidelines under the supervision of a burn manager.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
AB 2585
Letter of Support
AB 2585 Fact Sheet