Forest Fire Resources Compact Amendments

SB 30 enacts Utah’s participation in the Great Plains Interstate Fire Compact, directly affecting Utah’s state forester and cooperating states like Colorado, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The bill establishes a framework for reciprocal aid during forest fires, allowing states to request and provide firefighting resources across borders. Key provisions include requiring states to reimburse requesting states for equipment costs, clarifying that aiding states’ employees have equivalent authority (except arrest powers), and shielding them from liability for acts during mutual aid. It also mandates that member states coordinate fire prevention and control through designated administrators. The compact becomes effective once two or more states ratify it, creating a formalized regional response system for forest fires.