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SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that would allow Utah's governor to enter an interstate fire compact has passed the state Senate and House of Representatives. Proponents tout the move as another tool to reduce the risk of wildfires and an opportunity for Utah to "lend a helping hand."
Forest fire resources compact amendments, titled SB30 in the 2025 legislative session, was proposed in the Utah Senate by Sen. Derrin R. Owens of District 27. Owens represents Garfield, Washington, Millard and Kane counties, among others.
The legislation would allow Gov. Spencer Cox to enter the Great Plains Interstate Fire Compact.
Owens previously told St. George News that the initial request came to him from the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands as a way for Utah to build partnerships with neighboring states.
"They brought this bill and are hopeful that they can be in the compact, and seeing what else is available out there to help Utah and how Utah can help its neighbor," Owens later said at the House Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee.
