SB 292 Fire fighting equipment for unprotected lands

This bill makes State Fire Marshal responsible for unprotected lands providing equipment and air resources to fight wildfires increasing firefighting flexibility.

Fiscal Responsibility
Creates Wildfire Resource Fund, and appropriates $5 million for use by State Fire Marshal in providing equipment or firefighters to assist persons fighting wildfire on unprotected land. Faster response and better equipment will cut costs. The cost of fighting wildfires in Oregon reached an all-time high $514.6 million in 2018, according to data from Northwest Inter-agency Coordination Center. The increase in cost is attributed to the length of fires lasting months.

Limited Government
Authorizes State Fire Marshal to enter into agreements with public and private entities for use as needed of equipment capable of utilization for fighting wildfires on unprotected land. Authorizes State Fire Marshal to dispatch equipment under agreement as State Fire Marshal deems appropriate. Authorizes Governor, upon recommendation of State Fire Marshal, to dispatch available public or private resources of any type for purpose of assisting persons fighting wildfire on unprotected land.