The Biden administration today is announcing $930 million for reducing wildfire dangers in 10 western states by clearing trees and underbrush from national forests, as officials struggle to contain destructive infernos that are being made worse by climate change.

In partnership with a legislative committee, the University of Arizona will conduct a comprehensive study to estimate the total costs of damage to communities, businesses and residents affected by the 2021 Telegraph Fire.

The Healthy Forest Initiative is being touted as a win-win that helps to restore Arizona's forests, prevent wildfires and give prisoners a second chance at life.  

Wildfires consumed 955,000 acres, almost double the 520,000 acres burned in the preceding two years combined.

Government action to prevent these fires on public land and to follow up and restore after these fires is completely insufficient. Climate change is not a theoretical debate where we live because it affects our lives every day. Our rural communities are all close neighbors with the National Forests that surround us and we need action from our government representatives to address climate change and its many tragic effects.

As wildfires rage across Arizona and threaten numerous communities, legislators and forestry officials have had to come up with innovative ways to combat the problem.

Dozens of wildfires were burning in hot, dry conditions across the U.S. West, including a blaze touched off by lightning that was moving toward northern Arizona's largest city.

Arizona lawmakers ended a three-day special session by passing a $100 million bill on June 17 to help people affected by wildfires.

Gov. Doug Ducey is making it official, calling lawmakers into special session to finance the costs of fighting the current crop of wildland fires and the flood mitigation that will have to follow.

Over the past 10 years, we have watched as large wildfires ravaged the watershed in and around the Salt and Verde rivers. The devastation proves one important fact that must be addressed now – our forests are unhealthy.