"An Act relating to wildfires and other natural disasters."

In 1996, a huge wildfire swept through the Miller's Reach, Big Lake area in south central Alaska. Many residents desired to stay or return to their property to protect it from the wildfire. They were denied entry to their property while others were forced to evacuate. A similar situation occurred a few years later during the Lazy Mountain wildfire. To address issues raised by homeowners wishing to have access to their property, House Bill 297 was introduced. HB 297 will enable residents of a restricted area access to their property during a wildfire or other natural disaster, while protecting the State of Alaska from certain liabilities.

The main provisions in this legislation provides for private property owners and emergency personnel:

• The stipulations and liabilities residents of the area have who refuse to exit or decide to return to their property in the restricted area.
• Protecting emergency personnel and the state from liability for any injury to the resident or any injury committed to another resident's or emergency personnel's person.

I ask for your consideration and support of HB 297 to enable people to protect their own homes and property.

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