A bill allowing Utah’s governor to enter an interstate fire compact has passed the state Senate and House of Representatives. It would help reduce the risk of wildfires and provide an opportunity for Utah to help neighboring states.
Forest fire resources compact amendments, titled SB30 in the 2025 legislative session, were proposed in the Utah Senate by Sen. Derrin R. Owens of District 27.
The bill would allow Gov. Spencer Cox to enter the Great Plains Interstate Fire Compact.
Owens described SB30 as a “very simple bill.”
“I love compacts because that’s where the state can – the states can do their work amongst each other,” he said. “They can build alliances and even exit those alliances fairly readily if that’s what they decide. … The relationship of bringing in resources to help in a catastrophic wildfire situation is really wise.”
The Great Plains Fire Interstate Compact was formed in 2006. Member states include Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming, and the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, according to the National Center for Interstate Compacts.
According to the bill, compact members would receive reciprocal rights, powers, duties and immunities, similar to employees in the states being assisted. States can receive aid for losses, damages and costs suffered during operations, including for materials, equipment, wages, transportation and maintenance.
The bill passed the Senate on Jan. 21; 24 senators voted in favor, zero voted against, and five were absent. It passed in the House of Representatives on Feb. 5, with all representatives voting in favor except the two absentees.
“S.B. 30 strengthens our ability to protect both our state and our firefighters while ensuring we can assist our neighbors in times of need,” said Owens. “Being a good neighbor — ready to lend a helping hand — is the Utah way. I’m honored to support the brave firefighters and all those who work tirelessly to prevent and respond to these natural disasters.”
Author: Maddi Munro
Photo courtesy of Egor Vikhrev
Editor: Chevy Blackburn
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