Coconino News

State Representative Walt Blackman's wildfire mitigation bills have advanced in the legislative process, passing out of the House Committee on Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs. The bills, identified as HB2395, HB2398, and HB2400, aim to protect White Mountain communities from wildfires by allocating $19 million for suppression, contingency planning, and prevention efforts.

The funding will enable the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management to continue proactive fire management in high-risk areas such as Taylor-Snowflake, Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, and Payson. Local fire departments will also be better equipped to prevent small fires from becoming major disasters.

Representative Blackman emphasized the urgency of these measures: "We can’t afford to sit back and let rural Arizona burn," he said. "We’re proactively putting resources where they’re needed most—on the front lines of wildfire prevention."

Arizona's wildfire risk has increased due to prolonged drought and federal forest mismanagement. Without adequate mitigation funding, fires pose a threat to homes and businesses. Blackman's bills are part of the 2025 House Majority Plan focused on public safety through preventative measures and responsible forest management.

Governor Hobbs' proposed budget did not include new funding for hazardous vegetation removal or forest thinning. "The people of Arizona sent us here to lead, not sit on the sidelines," Blackman added. "This is exactly what leadership looks like—stepping up, taking action."

With committee approval secured, the bills now move to the Appropriations Committee.

Representative Walt Blackman serves Legislative District 7 and chairs the House Government Committee. Follow him on X at @BlackmanForAZ.