Bill > SB886

This bill modifies existing West Virginia law regarding prescribed fires, which are controlled burns of natural fuels to achieve specific land management goals like ecological restoration or wildfire prevention. Key changes include expanding the definition of prescribed fire to explicitly include private property, and importantly, waiving liability for damages or injuries caused by a prescribed burn if it's conducted by a certified prescribed fire manager according to a detailed plan and all legal requirements are met, unless the burn was negligently or improperly implemented. The bill also mandates that the director of the Division of Forestry will establish rules for a certification program for individuals who want to manage prescribed fires and for the overall control of these burns on private land, ensuring these activities are conducted safely and effectively.