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Bill Seeks to Take Wildfire Mitigation Responsibility Away from Feds

by KREX News Room
by Cori Coffin

Story Created: Mar 17, 2013 at 11:31 PM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 17, 2013 at 11:38 PM MDT

DENVER - In an effort to address the national security aspects of wildfires in Colorado's watersheds, one lawmaker is trying to establish a state firefighting air fleet.

State Senator Steve King, R-7, says a major fire in any of the state's watersheds would would be devastating. This weakness is an ideal avenue for terrorists to wage economic warfare.

"We are one lightning strike, one careless match throw, one terrorist match throw, away from a catastrophic fire in four million acres of dead biomass," explained King.

He has drafted a bill that would establish a professional, state air corps team tasked with detecting and combating such fires. It takes the responsibility off the federal government's land management agencies.

The bill is planned for introduction next week in the senate.

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