Wildfire Bill About Colorado Farmers On The Ropes

DENVER (AP) — A relatively straightforward bill to help prevent agricultural fires from starting wildfires is on the ropes at the Colorado Legislature.

The bill would clarify that county commissioners can ban agricultural burning along with campfires when fire risk is high. It was a recommendation from a legislative panel that suggests ways to reduce wildfires.

The Senate delayed a vote on the agricultural burning bill Friday. Its sponsor says he wants to kill the proposal because farmers oppose it.

Republican Sen. Larry Crowder of Alamosa says he doubts the measure will pass.

Lawmakers have worked on modest proposals this year to address wildfires, but have stayed away from more ambitious measures. A statewide building code recommended by a governor's panel was never taken up.

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