Assigned to NREW FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2580
wildfire management; delegation of authority
Purpose
Adds, to State Forester duties, management and administrative requirements relating to
wildfire prevention, mitigation and suppression.
Background
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) provides for land
management and the prevention and suppression of wildland fires on state land and private
properties outside a city or town. The Governor appoints the State Forester to direct, operate and
control DFFM. Statute requires the State Forester to perform all management and administrative
functions assigned or delegated to Arizona by the United States relating to forestry (A.R.S. §
37-1301 and 37-1302).
The State Forester is authorized to prevent, manage or suppress any wildfires located:
1) on state lands and private lands located outside of incorporated municipalities; and 2) on other
lands in Arizona, other states, Mexico or Canada, subject to a cooperative agreement. The State
Forester may enter into a cooperative agreement with other state and federal agencies, departments
and political subdivisions to prevent and suppress wildfires, assist with fire and nonfire national
and state emergencies and conduct activities pursuant to the Wildfire Suppression Assistance Act
(A.R.S. § 37-1303).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires the State Forester to:
a) perform all management and administrative functions assigned or delegated to Arizona by
the United States that relate to wildfire prevention, mitigation and suppression activities;
and
b) obtain and maintain a copy of the initial and any revised delegation of authority agreement
entered into with the United States.
2. Makes technical changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
FACT SHEET
H.B. 2580
Page 2
House Action
LARA 1/31/22 DP 11-0-0-0
3
rd
Read 2/17/22 58-0-2
Prepared by Senate Research
March 14, 2022
RC/MAH/slp