Arizona Lawmakers Advance Wildfire Mitigation Bills to Protect Rural Communities and Prevent Catastrophic Fires

Arizona State Representative Walt Blackman’s wildfire mitigation bills, HB2395, HB2398, and HB2400, have advanced through the House Committee on Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs. The bills allocate $19 million to wildfire suppression, prevention, and contingency planning in high-risk areas such as Taylor-Snowflake, Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, and Payson.

With these funds, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) will enhance proactive fire management efforts, ensuring local fire departments are better prepared for potential wildfires. Representative Blackman stressed the importance of these bills in protecting lives and property, especially as Arizona’s wildfire risk grows due to prolonged drought and federal mismanagement.

“These bills are about saving lives and ensuring that rural communities aren’t left vulnerable when the next wildfire strikes,” said Representative Blackman. The bills are now set to move to the Appropriations Committee.