Watch CBS News

Colorado Approves Higher Damages For Wildfire Victims

DENVER (AP) - One year after a state-set fire in Colorado killed three people, the state Legislature has given final approval to a bill raising limits for recovering damages incurred on account of government wrongdoing.

The bill raises the damage cap for people suing state government. The bill is a response to last March's Lower North Fork Fire in Jefferson County but would only apply to damages occurring after June 30, 2013. The foothills blaze was caused by a prescribed burn coordinated by state officials to reduce risks of a catastrophic wildfire.

That fire broke out on March 26, 2012. Supporters of the liability bill pointed out that Lower North Fork victims have yet to receive compensation from the state.

The liability bill awaits the governor's signature.

LINK: Senate Bill 23

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com's Wildfire Resources section.

- Read recent Wildfire stories.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

- See images from the most destructive wildfires (Waldo Canyon, High Park and Fourmile) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.