SB415

The Arkansas Prescribed Burning Act establishes a legal framework for the use of controlled fire as a forest and land management tool. The bill outlines the legislative benefits of prescribed burning, including wildfire risk reduction, ecosystem restoration, and the improvement of forest health. It defines the requirements for conducting such burns, including the creation of a formal 'prescribed burning prescription' and the designation of a 'qualified prescribed burner' who has completed state-approved training. The bill provides civil liability protection to landowners and their agents conducting burns in compliance with the act, stating that such actions do not constitute a public or private nuisance. It also requires notification of the Department of Agriculture prior to burning and mandates that the Department establish rules for burner certification. Finally, the bill exempts compliant prescribed burns from certain existing open-air fire regulations.