Rep. Brittany Pettersen Introduces Bipartisan Wildfire Mitigation Bills in Response to Colorado Fires
Democratic Representative Brittany Pettersen has introduced a bipartisan package of six bills aimed at addressing wildfire prevention and response in Colorado. This legislative effort comes in the wake of the Aspen Acres and Willow fires, which caused significant damage across the state. The proposed bills focus on enhancing wildfire research, expanding health coverage for firefighters, addressing mountain pine beetle infestations, and improving disaster-mitigation funding. The package includes the Guaranteed Disaster Assistance Act, which seeks to ensure that Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding is available without the need for a presidential disaster declaration. Another key component is the Wildfire Responder Protection Act, which broadens the definition of 'firefighter' to include all personnel involved in fire activities, ensuring they receive appropriate health care coverage. The bills have garnered support from both Republican and Democratic co-sponsors, as well as endorsements from various Colo... 
