The new $20 million California Prescribed Fire Claims fund is now open for enrollment as of June 19, 2023. As the result of a collaboration between CAL FIRE, the Nature Conservancy and UC Cooperative Extension as well other key contributors, the pilot program is the result of Senate Bill 926 authored by Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa in 2022. The official press release can be found here.
In a recent email announcing the news, Lenya Quinn-Davidson the Director of the UCANR Fire Network, explains that the fund will be available to provide liability coverage of up to $2 million dollars per project for projects that have a burn plan and a qualified person to apply for the fund. The list of qualified applicants include a cultural practitioner, state-certified burn boss (CARX), or NWCG Type 1 or Type 2 Burn Boss (RXB1 or RXB2). The focus of the program is broadcast burns but pile burning projects will also be considered. Applicants are encouraged to apply to demonstrate the need for the program.
More information can be found on the Cal Fire Claims Fund webpage and more details can be found in the Program Guidelines and applicants can enroll/apply at this site.
A webinar on July 11, 2023 at 2:30PM will be hosted by the UCANR Fire Network. The zoom registration link is here: zoom registration link.