Fire-service groups back SB 10 79; members press for work on toxic fires and federal coordination
August 26, 2026 | Select Committee on Wildfire Prevention, Select Committees, California State Assembly, House, Legislative, California
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Several fire-service organizations registered support for SB 10 79 and told the committee the Fire Innovation Unit could help test life-saving technologies at scale.
A witness identifying himself on the record said he represented the California Fire Chiefs Association and the Fire Districts Association of California and registered support. "Robert Franco here on behalf of the California Fire Chiefs Association and the Fire Districts Association of California in support," he said.
Assemblymember Payne praised the work but asked that the unit address toxic-fire risk from battery storage facilities, improve public-health messaging, and strengthen coordination with federal agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service. "I would like to... more work on toxic fires and protecting constituents and getting proper word out on, what proper prevention is," Payne said, adding that federal coordination should be part of the unit’s scope.
The chair and sponsor acknowledged those concerns and the sponsor agreed to continue working with stakeholders as the bill moves to the Assembly floor.
A witness identifying himself on the record said he represented the California Fire Chiefs Association and the Fire Districts Association of California and registered support. "Robert Franco here on behalf of the California Fire Chiefs Association and the Fire Districts Association of California in support," he said.
Assemblymember Payne praised the work but asked that the unit address toxic-fire risk from battery storage facilities, improve public-health messaging, and strengthen coordination with federal agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service. "I would like to... more work on toxic fires and protecting constituents and getting proper word out on, what proper prevention is," Payne said, adding that federal coordination should be part of the unit’s scope.
The chair and sponsor acknowledged those concerns and the sponsor agreed to continue working with stakeholders as the bill moves to the Assembly floor.
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