Rep. Megan Cotter calls for boosted state wildfire prevention funding

Growing risks justify the costs

Rep. Megan L. Cotter and Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa have introduced legislation to address the growing wildfire risk in Rhode Island and strengthen forest management resources.

The proposed legislation (2025-H 5781, 2025-S 0108) calls for 10 new full-time equivalent positions within the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) to focus on woodlands, forests and forestry projects.

The legislation, which the sponsors also introduced in 2024, was based on recommendations made last year by a special commission Representative Cotter led that studied ways to improve forest management and prevent forest fires. Although last year’s bill was not enacted, the push did result in the funding of two additional forest ranger positions in the 2025 state budget. The sponsors renewed their call, saying more rangers are necessary.

Representative Cotter (D-Dist. 39, Exeter, Richmond, Hopkinton) emphasized the importance of increased resources for wildfire prevention and management.

“Our state is facing an elevated fire risk, and it’s crucial we act to protect our communities and natural resources,” said Representative Cotter. “This legislation will provide the necessary funding for RIDEM to better manage Rhode Island’s woodlands and respond more effectively to fire threats.”

Wildfires have long been a threat in Rhode Island, with significant events recorded in the state’s history. The 1942 West Greenwich, Coventry, and Exeter fires burned 24,500 acres, the 1951 Burrillville and Washington Counties fire covered more than 10,000 acres, and more recent fires, such as the 2023 fires in Exeter (350 acres) and West Greenwich (200+ acres), underscore the need for improved wildfire management.

The state’s forestry workforce has seen a dramatic decline over the past few decades. From 1990 to 2023, the number of rangers has dropped from 16 to 4, equipment operators from 2 to 0, laborers from 18 to 3, and foresters from 7 to 6.  In addition, RIDEM has acquired over 23,000 additional acres of land since 1980, without a corresponding increase in staffing.

“This bill is not just seeking to add 10 new firefighters,” added Senator Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol).  “It is a bill that increases our capability to prevent wildfires. As we’ve seen in recent wildfires in Hawaii and California, failure to invest in forest management can result in significant property and business losses, increased insurance costs, lost tax revenue, water, air and soil contamination, and, most importantly, lost lives.”

Recent reports, including coverage by WPRI, indicate that Rhode Island is experiencing elevated fire risk conditions due to dry weather, which increases the vulnerability of the state to wildfires. The need for additional resources for RIDEM is more urgent than ever.

The cost of the 10 new positions is estimated at $1.3 million per year, a minimal percentage of the state’s $14.2 billion budget.

The sponsors urge their colleagues to pass this bill today while there is still time to take effective preventative measures and protect Rhode Island’s communities.