Sen. Sylvia Allen is calling together a group of wildfire experts and State Senators to learn more about the tragic fires burning in our state and to develop the best public policy to avoid massive wildfires in our future. A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, June 30 at Show Low High School, beginning at 1 p.m.

Dr. Wally Covington, a nationally-recognized leader in wildfire practices and Director of Northern Arizona University’s Ecological Restoration Institute will speak. Other speakers include Navajo County Board of Supervisors Chairman David Tenney and Dr. Dave Garrett, the former Dean of NAU’s School of Forestry.

“It is obvious something is happening in our state that needs to change. The five largest fires in Arizona history have all occurred in the past decade. Fires are burning hotter, faster and larger,” says Sen. Allen, a Republican from Snowflake.

Sen. Allen is already supporting ideas that will make Arizona lands safer and improve the state economy. She’s looking at salvage timber sales, environmental law reforms and long-term contracts with businesses willing to invest millions to build infrastructure.

“I’ve sent letters to Senators Jon Kyl and John McCain and Congressmen Flake and Gosar, emphasizing the importance of the state and federal government working together to properly manage our lands. We owe it to our citizens,” says Sen. Allen.