AB 2102 will help to reduce wildfire risk throughout the state by allowing citizens to manage wildfire fuels on their property within local fire chiefs’ guidelines, as well as ensuring the State and public agencies do their job to manage fuel on their properties.
DeMaio Introduces Wildfire Prevention Bill – Urges Politicians to Act
Wildfires have become a tragic and recurring threat across California — destroying homes, devastating communities, and leaving families wondering when disaster might strike next. Too often, state policies make it harder for communities to take common-sense steps to reduce wildfire risk.
That’s why I have introduced AB 2102, a new bill designed to reduce wildfire danger by empowering local communities and holding government agencies accountable for managing wildfire fuel.
Putting Local Experts in Charge
Under current state policy, Sacramento bureaucrats impose rigid wildfire fuel management rules on private property — even though local fire chiefs understand the risks and needs of their communities far better than state agencies.
AB 2102 allows homeowners to clear wildfire fuel on their property as long as it follows guidelines set by their local fire chiefs, not a one-size-fits-all mandate from Sacramento.
Holding Government Accountable
At the same time, government agencies must also do their part. Too often, public lands are poorly maintained, allowing dangerous fuel buildup that threatens surrounding neighborhoods.
My bill requires state and local agencies to take responsibility by:
- Conducting wildfire fuel assessments on public lands every two years
• Creating fire management plans for newly acquired public lands
• Maintaining a 200-foot fire break between public lands and nearby private property
• Identifying and reporting the costs of wildfire fuel management as part of these assessments
A Smarter Approach to Preventing Wildfires
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive in California. Preventing disasters before they start requires empowering local communities and ensuring government agencies properly manage the land under their control.
AB 2102 takes a practical, prevention-focused approach that prioritizes public safety and common sense.
I will continue working in Sacramento to advance policies that protect our communities, reduce wildfire risk, and hold government accountable.