Senator Cantwell Pushes Pre-Fire Season Controlled Burn as Part of Wildfire Prevention Legislation

In the midst of wildfire season, Senator Maria Cantwell, along with colleagues, introduced legislation for wildfire prevention, including pre-fire season controlled burns. The National Prescribed Fire Act of 2020 would expand the scale and increase the pace of controlled burns and give states leniency with controlled burns regulated in the winter.

"That is to say to burning some of the fuel that we think could become fire breaks and stopping fires from becoming larger and larger. The fuel break helps to create a line of defense," said Senator Cantwell.

Cantwell notes what we've learned is attempting prescribed burns in the summer months with clearer air isn't helpful, because of large scale fires occurring simultaneously causing unhealthy smoke for prolonged periods.

"So what we need to do now...to move prescribed burns to other parts of the year," said Cantwell. "Yes, it may create a few smoky days here and there, but it will help us better fight these fires when it comes to these very hot, dry climates we are now seeing at a higher frequency."

Cantwell was joined by Senator Ron Wyden and Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Ranking Member Joe Manchin for introduction of the legislation.