HB 2395
Initials BSR Page 1 Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature
First Regular Session
HB 2395: appropriation; White Mountain fire program
Sponsor: Representative Blackman, LD 7
Committee on Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Overview
Appropriates $5,000,000 to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management
(DFFM) to continue the White Mountain Fire Program from the state General Fund (GF) in
FY 2026.
History
DFFM was established to provide for land management and the prevention and suppression
of wildland fires on state land and on private property located outside of cities and towns.
The State Forester, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, is responsible
for the direction, operation and control of DFFM (A.R.S. §§ 37-1301 and 38-211).
Powers and duties of the State Forester and DFFM include:
1) performing all management and administrative functions relating to forestry and
wildfire prevention, mitigation and suppression activities;
2) maximizing state fire assistance grants;
3) conducting education and outreach in forest communities; and
4) developing and implementing a comprehensive statewide wildfire response plan,
including standards for training and certification of fire personnel, apparatus and
equipment (A.R.S. § 37-1302).
The White Mountain Fire Program focuses on suppressing unwanted fires, management of
naturally ignited fires and the use of prescribed fire to achieve specific objectives. The Forest
Service coordinates burn activities with fire personnel from local state agencies like DFFM
and tribal entities (U.S. Forest Service).
Provisions
1. Appropriates $5,000,000 from the state GF in FY 2026 to DFFM to continue the White
Mountain Fire Program. (Sec. 1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note