Bill > S2112

This bill, known as the "Prescribed Burn Act," establishes a framework for authorizing and regulating prescribed burning, which is the controlled use of fire to manage vegetation for purposes like wildfire prevention, resource protection, and ecological health. It defines key terms such as "prescribed burn" and "certified prescribed burn manager," and mandates that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) develop a certification program for individuals who conduct these burns, covering essential topics like safety, fire behavior, and smoke management. The act requires that before a prescribed burn can occur, a detailed plan must be prepared by a certified manager or the landowner/lessee, filed with, and approved by the DEP, with specific notification requirements for nearby landowners and local fire authorities. It also clarifies that prescribed burns conducted according to the act's provisions are considered in the public interest and generally exempt from arson, trespass, or nuisance laws, and that those conducting them are not liable for damages unless proven negligent. The bill aims to promote the use of prescribed burning as a valuable land management tool, acknowledging its benefits for public safety, the environment, and the economy, while also addressing concerns about liability and public understanding.