DENVER (AP) - Gov. John Hickenlooper expressed support Thursday for legislation aimed at combating wildfires in Colorado, including tax incentives for mitigation and funding to buy better equipment for firefighters.
However, the Democrat indicated he’s not ready to support more aggressive suggestions from Republicans who want a state-owned aerial firefighting fleet, or from his own task force involving building codes and fees.
“I think incentives are going to work better, rather than imposing fees and surcharges,” Hickenlooper said. “Let’s do the incentives, we’ll measure our success, see what kind of coverage we’re going to get and then go from there.”
During the past two years, Colorado has experienced its worst wildfire seasons. Blazes in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins destroyed more than 1,000 homes and killed five people.
Hickenlooper believes those wildfires will generate greater awareness among individuals and municipalities to find solutions without state mandates.
The task force convened by Hickenlooper last year to study wildfire and insurance matters recommended statewide building requirements in areas where development borders forest areas.
The group also recommended developing a map of those high-risk areas to calculate risks and assess fees to help with mitigation.
Hickenlooper said a state-owned fleet could prove to be too costly and needs further study. The Western Governors’ Association has discussed the idea of a shared fleet, but some members have expressed concerns that the benefit doesn’t justify the cost, he said.
In addition to tax credits, lawmakers are proposing a death benefit for wildland firefighters and changes to the state’s prescribed burning program.
Republican state Sen. Steve King, who has been pushing the idea of a state-owned firefighting fleet, called the bills a step in the right direction. But he insisted the cost of a fleet would be money well spent.
He cited the long-term environmental impacts that a major wildfire could have on the state’s watersheds.
“I believe that wildfire is a clear and present danger to Colorado and we need to take action,” King said.
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