CRAMER: Prescribed Burn Bill Encourages Cooperation, Communication With Forest Service and Landowners

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer supported a bill that passed the House of Representatives Monday setting guidelines for prescribed burns. 

S.3395, the Prescribed Burn Approval Act of 2016, passed the Senate Nov. 17.  Cramer was an original co-sponsor of the House version of the bill, H.R.6029, which was introduced by Rep. Kristi Noem of South Dakota. It now goes to the President for his signature.

This bill requires collaboration between the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and local officials when initiating prescribed burns, planned fires ignited intentionally for management of forest, prairie or farmland.  The bill prohibits the burns when there is a fire danger on nearby land in the county. 

“It’s common sense for the Forest Service to communicate and collaborate with local officials and nearby landowners before starting prescribed fires,” said Cramer. “This legislation could prevent fires intended for land management from getting out of control and causing damage to private property.”