Date: 08/22/2012

Final
Update on Fire Provisions in HB 12-1283

WILDFIRE COMMISSION

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
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10:34 AM -- Update on Fire Provisions in HB 12-1283

Mr. Paul Cooke, Director of the Division of Fire Prevention and Control in the Colorado Department of Public Safety (DPS), provided an update on the implementation of provisions in House Bill 12-1283 pertaining to wildland fires and prescribed burns. Commission members received a copy of the bill (Attachment A), an overview of the division's organization (Attachment B), a report from the division about escaped fires (Attachment C), a report about the division's aircraft firefighting capabilities (Attachment D), and information about funding for the Colorado State Forest Service (Attachment E). Director Cooke provided his background, and discussed the wildfire responsibilities transferred from the State Forest Service to DPS under House Bill 12-1283. Director Cooke briefed the commission on his division's organization and mission, as outlined in Attachment B, and discussed the services provided by the division.

120822AttachA.pdf120822AttachB.pdf120822AttachC.pdf120822AttachD.pdf120822AttachE.pdf

10:45 AM

Director Cooke continued to brief the commission on the duties of and services provided by the Division of Fire Prevention and Control, discussing the aircraft resources used to combat wildfires as outlined in Attachment D. He discussed the information about prescribed fire escapes outlined in Attachment C, and the future use of prescribed burns since certain fire-related responsibilities have been transferred to the department. Director Cooke discussed funding issues associated with wildland-urban interface firefighting training, and addressed resource mobilization issues discussed during Chief McLaughlin's presentation.


10:56 AM

Director Cooke responded to questions regarding oversight for prescribed burns on government-owned land, and the reasons for conducting the prescribed burn that resulted in the Lower North Fork wildfire during dry weather conditions. Mr. Cooke also responded to questions regarding the transfer of expertise concerning wildfire and forest health to the DPS, and the relationship between the department and the federal government in terms of forest health policies.