State Forester Thomas Torres outlines 2023 review findings on wildfire management efforts

The Joint Legislative Audit Committee convened on June 6, 2025, to discuss the findings of a recent review concerning the Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The meeting began with a presentation that provided background on the department, which was established in 2016 through the consolidation of various state agency responsibilities, including the Office of the State Forester and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

The presenter outlined the department's key responsibilities, which encompass land management, wildfire prevention, and enforcement of the state fire code. These duties include monitoring forestry projects, educating forest communities about wildfire threats, and conducting fire safety inspections in public buildings. State Forester Thomas Torres and State Fire Marshal Cassie Peters lead the department.

The 2023 review highlighted that the department successfully met its statutory objectives in one area by appropriately utilizing legislatively allocated funds for wildfire suppression and mitigation efforts. The presenter noted that further details and recommendations from the May 2025 follow-up report were available in the meeting materials, specifically in tab 2, attachment A.

While the presentation did not cover all aspects of the reports, the presenter encouraged committee members to ask questions at the conclusion of the session. This meeting served as a critical platform for assessing the department's performance and ensuring accountability in its operations related to wildfire management and safety.