Montana’s forests, grasslands, and traditional farms and ranches are facing an escalating wildfire crisis, with fires growing larger, more destructive, and more costly each year. In response, landowners are seeking new tools to implement proactive management strategies aimed at combatting the increasing risk of wildfire in the West. In that spirit, House Bill 84 (HB 84) proposes a pragmatic, science-backed solution: the Prescribed Fire Manager Certification and Liability Act. This legislation offers a path toward safer, more effective, proactive fire management practices while protecting private property, communities, and ecosystems.
Scientists, foresters, and conservationists have long recognized prescribed fires—carefully planned, strategically set burns—as an essential tool for maintaining forest health and mitigating wildfire risks. Historically, low-intensity fires occurred naturally, clearing fuels and revitalizing habitats. However, after decades of fire suppression, Montana’s landscapes are overloaded with fuel, leaving them vulnerable to high-intensity, catastrophic wildfires. HB 84 will incentivize, empower, and train landowners to restore balance to these landscapes through responsible and strategic prescribed burning.
The core component of HB 84 is the creation of a prescribed fire manager certification program under the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). Certification ensures that prescribed burns are conducted by certified and trained individuals. These trainees will be taught to develop burn plans that encompass weather conditions, fire behavior, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements. This standardized training will reduce the likelihood of escaped fires and enhance public confidence in prescribed fire as a land management tool. The legislation also clarifies that private landowners can still manage burns on their own property without certification, provided they comply with existing laws and obtain proper permits. HB 84 balances public safety and private property rights by setting clear standards.
