Prescribed burns touted as a possible solution to California's wildfire problem, Michigan legislators punt no-fault auto insurance reforms to 2019, and more in today's First Read.

Scientists have clear but counterintuitive advice to help California be proactive about its wildfire problem: start more forest fires. They say research shows that lighting fires under safe conditions can clear out dead plants and thick underbrush that fuel severe wildfires, keeping forests healthy and resilient. It can be tricky to pull off because all fires, whether natural or intentional, are inherently dangerous and smoky. Even so, experts say the benefits far outweigh the risks. In September, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill to expand the use of prescribed fires by, among other things, creating ways for landowners and agencies to share costs and liability.

The National Safety Council (NSC) urges drivers to be extra vigilant as they travel to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. AAA reports that nearly one in three Americans will travel during that period, and the council warns that preventable deaths are at an all-time high. The NSC encourages states to implement measures to reduce risk, including sobriety checkpoints. Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the NSC, says, "For those on the road, that means buckling up, slowing down, avoiding distractions, and driving sober. Prioritizing safety is the best way to welcome the new year." Related Story: Forbes

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey continues to urge Congress to make meaningful flood insurance reforms, even as Congress appears likely to pass another short-term extension of the program. "We cannot simply keep spending money to preserve the status quo," he says. "We need a system for managing flood risk that pushes our country towards resiliency...I believe the best way out of this hole is to make proactive investments in resiliency and mitigation to reduce the damage in the first place." Menendez sponsored a bill to modify the National Flood Insurance Program that would, among other things, extend the program for six years, hold down rate increases, and reduce fees for private insurers who participate in the program.

The Delaware Congressional delegation celebrated Congress' passage of the Strengthening Coastal Communities Act of 2018 that adjusts boundary maps for Delaware's North Bethany Beach map unit, as well as maps in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina, to help more coastal homeowners qualify for disaster aid. "The Coastal Barrier Resources Act saves taxpayers money, keeps people and their property out of harm's way, and conserves natural resources by restricting most federal expenditures and financial assistance for new construction on barrier islands," said Sen. Tom Carper. The legislation also allows South Shore Marina homeowners to purchase National Flood Insurance Program policies, Carper added. The bill now heads to the president for his signature.

A legislative effort to reform no-fault auto insurance died in the Michigan House on Thursday, with Reps. Tom Barrett of Potterville and Joe Bellino of Monroe saying they ran out of time to hammer out a compromise in the lame duck session. The latest proposal would have allowed drivers to choose their levels of medical coverage, rather than require them to obtain mandatory lifetime benefits. Lawmakers say they will pick up the issue again in 2019. Related Story: MLive

The Massachusetts House and Senate reached a compromise on short-term rental regulations and passed it on Thursday, sending it to the governor's desk for his signature. The bill requires all hosts to register and carry insurance, and it would impose a 5.7 percent state tax on short-term rentals. If Gov. Charlie Baker signs the bill, the rules would take effect July 1. Related Story: Curbed Boston

Congress and the White House have just hours to resolve a budget impasse or risk shutting down parts of the federal government for the third time this year. The House on Thursday passed a new funding bill that included funding for a border wall. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill Friday afternoon, but its fate is still uncertain. The House measure would fund the government and extend the National Flood Insurance Program through Feb. 8 and includes nearly $8 billion in disaster relief for communities affected by hurricanes and wildfires. Related Story: Reuters

Congress was unable to pass legislation to speed up the production and development of self-driving vehicles before the end of the year, and the measure's prospects in 2019 are unclear unless compromise can be made to address security and privacy concerns. Without a federal safety framework, autonomous vehicle firms face a patchwork of more than 30 different state actions and voluntary Transportation Department guidance. Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) warns that without action from Congress, "you could have 50 states and the District of Columbia doing their own thing."