6462 AMS HONE S4917.1

SB 6462  - S AMD144
     By Senators Honeyford, Fairley

ADOPTED 02/15/2010

     Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 52.12 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Any firefighter that is present at the scene of a wildfire, regardless of whether it is beyond the boundaries of his or her district, has a duty to undertake firefighting efforts to suppress the fire if the fire poses a danger to human life or structures. However, the firefighter is under no duty to undertake firefighting efforts if he or she does not have the equipment or manpower at the scene to fight the fire in a safe and reasonable manner.
     (2)(a) The priorities and methods under this section are determined by the chain of command of the pertinent agency.
     (b) If an official chain of command has not been established, the firefighting priorities and methods shall be determined by the most senior firefighter on the engine.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 4.24 RCW to read as follows:
     Any state or municipal firefighter, whether volunteer or paid, who takes part in firefighting efforts outside his or her jurisdiction or provides emergency care, rescue, assistance, or recovery services at the scene of an emergency is not liable for civil damages resulting from any act or omission in the rendering of such services, other than acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct."

SB 6462  - S AMD
     By Senators Honeyford, Fairley

ADOPTED 02/15/2010

     On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "duties;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "adding a new section to chapter 52.12 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 4.24 RCW."

EFFECT:  Combines Senator Honeyford's two firefighter bills: SB 6461 (providing limited immunity for firefighters providing emergency services) and SB 6462 (addressing the duties of a firefighter at the scene of a wildfire beyond the boundaries of the firefighter's district). Requires a firefighter to obey the chain of command when responding to wildfires. Provides that if no such chain of command exists, the most senior member of the firefighting engine will be in charge of determining how to respond to the fire. Amends title to reflect the added provisions.

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