Political speech, timestamped and in context

Alex Padilla: “Prescribed fires, experience tells us, and the data tells us prescribed fires, [are] one of the most effective…”

Featuring: Alex Padilla, Democratic | U.S. Senate from California

Alex Padilla Praises Wildfire Prevention Bill That Would Help States Use Prescribed Fires

Published October 3, 2026

… and larger every year, but more destructive every year and emitting massive amounts of toxic smoke. Now, there's no silver bullet for solving the wildfire crisis, but we know that Prescribed fires, experience tells us, and the data tells us prescribed fires, [are] one of the most effective tools in reducing hazardous fuels and preventing catastrophic wildfires. Will they continue to happen? Fires, yes. But if we can prevent them, that's ideal. Or at least let's mitigate their size, their scope, and the damage that they cause however we can. (01:02–01:17)

STATEMENT

Asserts that prescribed fires are effective in reducing hazardous fuels and preventing catastrophic wildfires.

This is an excerpt from a raw transcript. The assertions have not been audited or verified. Tap the video to view the source footage and understand the context.

See the main statements from Alex Padilla in this video

“While the EPA regulations have allowed prescribed fires to qualify as exceptional events since 2016, the agency has never actually approved one.”
Asserts that the EPA has not approved any prescribed fires as exceptional events since 2016.01:30-01:44
“The Wildfire Emission Prevention act is a result of more than a year of bipartisan negotiations and recently passed unanimously out of the Environment and Public Works Committee.”
Asserts that the Wildfire Emission Prevention act underwent bipartisan negotiations and passed unanimously in a committee.00:10-00:29
“Western states, including Oregon, California, and others, are confronting a crisis of wildfires that aren't just growing larger and larger every year, but more destructive every year and emitting massive amounts of toxic smoke.”
Asserts that wildfires in Western states are increasing in size, destructiveness, and smoke emissions annually.00:36-00:56
“This bill creates a narrow, targeted pathway specifically for prescribed fire while preserving existing air quality standards for other exceptional events.”
Asserts that the bill creates a pathway for prescribed fires while maintaining air quality standards.02:05-02:17