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Lawmakers Reach Compensation Compromise For Lower North Fork Victims

DENVER (CBS4)- Colorado lawmakers reached a compromise over compensation for victims of the Lower North Fork Fire on Thursday.

The deal likely avoids a political showdown over how to help the victims of the deadly wildfire in March.

The fire started when a prescribed burn got out of control and burned or damaged 27 homes. Three people died.

"Certainly their losses have been indescribable," said Gov. John Hickenlooper.

Hickenlooper, along with Republicans and Democrats, and Colorado Attorney General John Suthers, announced the solution to the state liability limits on Thursday. It would change the Colorado Government Immunity Act, making the state liable for prescribed burns they set the get out of control.

"Prescribed burns should have always been on the list. For some reason no one thought of it. No one looked at it," said Hickenlooper. "That doesn't mean victims of the Lower North Fork Fire shouldn't be able to seek resolutions."

The new deal would waive those limits, currently set at $600,000, and others like it in the future. The compromise is retroactive until January of this year, which would cover the Lower North Fork Fire timeline.

If passed, victims could file a claim with the state. A claims board would consider the claim and decide whether the victim should be awarded compensation and how much.

"We can't bring back what they lost. But we've made a better system for them and for those that follow," said Rep. Cheri Gerou, a Republican representing Evergreen.

Lantz Trantham's family lost their home in the fire. He said the agreement is fair for victims of the fire and those that may be to come.

"My focus has been on the future of Colorado for anyone who has ever been sitting in our shoes. And now I have slight hope that five years down the road there will be something to rebuild with," said Trantham.

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