Ventura District Attorney Erik Nasarenko Testifies in Support of AB 2075 to Strengthen Wildfire Prevention Laws

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko testified this week before the  California State Assembly Committee on Natural Resources in support of Assembly Bill 2075  (AB 2075), legislation aimed at strengthening wildfire prevention laws and clarifying fire safety  requirements during vegetation clearing operations. 

AB 2075, authored by Assemblymember Steve Bennett and sponsored by District Attorney  Nasarenko, was introduced in response to the 2024 Mountain Fire in Ventura County. That fire  burned nearly 20,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of structures after a smaller vegetation fire, caused during a brush clearing effort, reignited days later due to lingering hot debris. Subsequent investigation inspired a legislative effort to ensure the right firefighting tools are readily available during such operations. During his testimony in Sacramento, District Attorney Nasarenko highlighted the bill’s revisions that address gaps in current law that  can delay or prevent effective fire suppression  in the critical early moments of ignition. 

“This legislation places the fire extinguishment equipment at the ignition source,” District Attorney  Nasarenko told the committee. “Rather than the driver of a tractor having to go and retrieve a  shovel or fire extinguisher, it would be right there in the tractor or affixed to it.” 

The proposed legislation establishes clear, consistent standards requiring that basic fire  suppression tools, such as shovels and fire extinguishers, be either attached to or in a motor vehicle while performing brush clearance. Workers on foot utilizing power tools must also have a  fire extinguisher within 25 feet and a sufficient amount of shovels. The bill also clarifies that both  individuals and companies conducting vegetation clearing operations are responsible for complying with fire safety requirements. Companies are often best positioned to ensure adherence and the bill’s goal is compliance and wildfire prevention, not misdemeanor prosecution. 

“With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires, California needs clarity  regarding who to hold accountable when an accidental fire breaks out during an outdoor  operation,” Assemblymember Bennett said. “AB 2075 sailed through Assembly Natural Resources  committee with unanimous, bipartisan support for this commonsense measure to protect workers  and guarantee justice for victims of wildfires.” 

The bill passed unanimously out of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee on a 14-0 vote as  amended and will now be re-referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.