Read first time 01/14/10.   Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

     AN ACT Relating to firefighter duties; adding a new section to chapter 52.12 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 4.24 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

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.