Arizona Governor Doug Ducey spoke to the press around the state Thursday about a new law to prevent and fight wildfires with help from Arizona inmates. Governor Ducey described the “Healthy Forest Initiative” starting with the pressing issue of wildfire risk, noting that last year’s wildfire season was the second most destructive in the history of Arizona. Senate Bill 1442, which the governor signed into law on Tuesday, would promote wildfire mitigation measures by giving firefighter training to Arizona inmates. In addition to promoting sustainability in Arizona forests, the law’s other goal would be to increase chances of inmates developing job skills, which would make them more likely to enter the workforce and reduce risk of re-arrest. When asked about the benefits for Flagstaff and surrounding areas, Ducey reiterated that it will translate to more boots on the ground, and a better ability to fight fires especially in the High Country, as well as the rest of the state.
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Nicholas Bratcher
