ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-seventh Legislature

First Regular Session

HB 2400: appropriation; fire contingency program; Payson

Sponsor: Representative Blackman, LD 7

Committee on Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Overview

Appropriates $5,000,000 to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) to distribute to the City of Payson for a fire contingency program from the state General Fund (GF) in FY 2026.

History

DFFM was established to provide for land management and the prevention and suppression of wildland fires on state land and on private property located outside of cities and towns. The State Forester, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, is responsible for the direction, operation and control of DFFM (A.R.S. §§ 37-1301 and 38-211).

Powers and duties of the State Forester and DFFM include:

1) performing all management and administrative functions relating to forestry and wildfire prevention, mitigation and suppression activities;

2) maximizing state fire assistance grants;

3) conducting education and outreach in forest communities; and

4) developing and implementing a comprehensive statewide wildfire response plan, including standards for training and certification of fire personnel, apparatus and equipment (A.R.S. § 37-1302).

According to the United States Forest Service, contingency planning determines what additional actions, resources or both are needed to keep prescribed fire within the scope of a plan and ensure preparedness for dealing with fire outside of the burn unit and/or project area. Contingency planning can also address other unanticipated events like not meeting prescribed fire objectives and critical holding points for controlling the burn. Other important considerations include smoke management objectives, impacts to critical smoke receptors, burn staffing and response plans for accidents or emergencies during the burn.

Provisions

1. Appropriates $5,000,000 from the state GF in FY 2026 to DFFM to distribute to the City of Payson for a fire contingency program. (Sec. 1)

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5. HB 2400

6. Initials BSR Page 0 Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

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