(1) To maximize the effective utilization of local fire suppression assets, the department is required to:

(a) Compile and annually update master lists of qualified wildland fire suppression contractors who have valid incident qualifications for the kind of contracted work to be performed. In order to be included on a master list of qualified wildland fire suppression contractors:

(i) Contractors providing fire engines, tenders, crews, or similar resources must have training and qualifications sufficient for federal wildland fire contractor eligibility, including possessing a valid incident qualification card, commonly called a red card; and

(ii) Contractors other than those identified in (a)(i) of this subsection must have training and qualifications evidenced by possession of a valid department qualification and safety document, commonly called a blue card, issued to people cooperating with the department pursuant to an agreement;

(b) Provide timely advance notification of the dates and locations of department blue card training to all potential wildland fire suppression contractors known to the department and make the training available in several locations that are reasonably convenient for contractors;

(c) Make the lists of qualified wildland fire suppression contractors available to county legislative authorities, emergency management departments, and local fire districts;

(d) Cooperate with federal wildland firefighting agencies to maximize, based on predicted need, the efficient use of local resources in close proximity to wildland fire incidents;

(e) Enter into preemptive agreements with landowners in possession of firefighting capability that may be utilized in wildland fire suppression efforts, including the use of bulldozers, fallers, fuel tenders, potable water tenders, water sprayers, wash trailers, refrigeration units, and buses; and

(f) Conduct outreach to provide basic incident command system and wildland fire safety training to landowners in possession of firefighting capability to help ensure that any wildland fire suppression actions taken by private landowners on their own land are accomplished safely and in coordination with any related incident command structure.

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section prohibits the department from conducting condensed safety training on the site of a wildland fire in order to utilize available contractors not included on a master list of qualified wildland fire suppression contractors.

(3) When entering into preemptive agreements with landowners under this section, the department must ensure that:

(a) All equipment and personnel satisfy department standards; and

(b) All contractors are, when engaged in fire suppression activities, under the supervision of recognized wildland fire personnel.

(4) No civil liability may be imposed by any court on the state or its officers and employees for any adverse impacts resulting from training provided by the department or preemptive agreements entered into by the department under the provisions of this section except upon proof of gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

(5) All requirements in this section are subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for the specific purposes described.

[2015 c 182 § 6.]