With the new year comes hundreds of new wildfire laws in California, passed in response to wildfires that have devastated the state. As a Californian, you need to know what’s changed so you can be up to date, and help prevent fires in your area. Here are the new wildfire laws explained, so you can stay informed.

Vegetation Thinning

Firstly, the state Board of Forestry and Fire Prevention have passed laws, allowing for easier thinning of vegetation in an effort to slow wildfires. In the past, tree thinning projects have had to gain approval through environmental analysis of the area. This would slow down the effort, essentially making it harder to contain wildfires. Now, a thinning project can go ahead using a pre existing analysis, making the project much quicker.

This is hoped to speed up tree thinning projects, therefore potentially removing fuel from a spreading wildfire. This allows firefighters more time to contain the fire as it moves through an area with less fuel to burn. This will be in effect throughout most of California, except the city of Chico. This is due to the fact the mayor and most of the city council opposed it.

Right now in theory, this should work. There have been critics of this change though, who are saying that this won’t stop wind driven fires like the ones that damaged the town of Paradise in recent years. It also won’t stop slower burning fires unless the projects are kept up for generations. For now, the projects will have to be tested to see if they will slow down forest fires.

Power Shutoff-Related Wildfire Laws

One strategy used in preventing forest fires is planned power shutoffs. These are used when there is a high risk of fire during dry weather and high winds. However, there has been quite severe backlash to these strategies when they’re used.

The shutoffs have been seen to lead to food wastage as many foods spoil when unrefrigerated. They also lead to medical complications for many Californians, as well as affect education as children can’t attend school when power shutoffs are in effect.

The new laws in place require power companies to give advanced notice when they’re about to shutoff power to their customers. This should allow them to be able to make arrangements when needed, for food, medical care and so on.

Power companies will need to have strategies laid out for power shutoffs in their wildfire mitigation plans. The hope with this new law is that the most vulnerable people that can be affected by power shutoffs, such as the poor and elderly, won’t suffer as harshly as they have done under current rulings.

Environmental-Related Wildfire Laws

You’ll have seen that more steps have been taken to curb greenhouse gases in the state of California. New homes are now being required to install solar panels as they’re being constructed. There are concerns about this, as the extra cost of solar panels can be as much as $9,500.

This is a concern especially for those who have lost homes due to wildfire, and need to rebuild. This has been recognized by the government, who have exempted those who need to rebuild due to wildfire or other natural disaster. This offers more breathing room to the victims of disaster, meaning they won’t have to find these extra funds when they’re rebuilding their homes.

Caring for the Vulnerable During Wildfires

Another law that’s coming into effect this year is one looking to protect the vulnerable. Many people, such as the ill or elderly, are at extra risk during wildfires. They need extra help becoming wildfire prepared, establishing an emergency evacuation plan, and assistance with taking care of their homes when a wildfire is coming towards their area.

In many cases in the recent past, they have been left to fend for themselves when they needed help the most. This was seen most recently in 2017, where two different Santa Rosa assisted living centers abandoned those living there when wildfires came their way.

The new laws aim to protect people just like this. Caregivers are legally required to assist those in their care should they need to evacuate. If they abandon their duties they can face enhanced civil penalties.

Smoking Material Disposal

Another law that has come into place, mostly to protect native wildlife, is a law covering the disposal of smoking implements. Materials such as cigarettes and cigars will be illegal to smoke in parks and on beaches this year. It will also be illegal to dispose of the materials there.

Smoking, however, will still be allowed in parking lots. It’s also worth noting that this ban covers electronic smoking devices, too. Many are pleased with this law being passed, as it not only protects citizens and wildlife from the dangers of smoking, but the landscape too. With smoking being banned in these public areas, it’s removing a large wildfire danger. The less risk of a fire being started, the better.

Business Protection During Wildfires

One move that’s seen as potentially controversial is the new ruling surrounding businesses and wildfires. There will be protection for businesses that are affected or uprooted thanks to wildfires. This will come in the reduction or waiving of government fees, as needed. Some have said this is essentially a ‘bailout’ to businesses, but energy companies are being required to set up a relief fund for those affected by wildfires.

In total, these funds should total up to around $21 billion for the victims of wildfire. This is believed to help the victims when needed, and should act as a deterrent to energy companies, spurring them to make their companies safer. They will also gain safety certification if they make changes, such as changing wooden electricity poles to steel ones.

This is your basics guide to the new wildfire laws that are coming into place. You now know how these laws affect you, and what you need to do to be in compliance with the law. Mostly though, the wildfire laws are aimed at businesses and other agencies involved in stopping fires from occurring.