New Law: Farmers, Ranchers Have Immunity in Fire Fights

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – A law passed by the Oregon Legislature gives farmers and ranchers immunity from liability while fighting dangerous wildfires, such as the one that chewed through acres of wheat fields and grasslands last year.

The Capitol Press reports Friday that the law is similar to one that prevents bystanders from being sued if they try to help during an emergency.

Gov. Kate Brown signed the bill June 18 at a ceremony with the Oregon Wheat Growers Association.

Wheat farmers were the first to respond to the rapidly spreading fire and used their disc plows and water trucks to slow it down.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Bill Hansell, a Republican from Athena, says the fire might have devastated the nearby small cities of Moro and Grass Valley if not for those efforts.
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Information from: Capital Press, http://www.capitalpress.com/washington