Department of Natural Resources and Forest Fires.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for forest fire prevention and response on both private and state-owned forestland in Washington. The DNR may cooperate with any agency of another state, a federal agency, or any county, town, corporation, person, or Indian tribe. The DNR may also contract and enter into agreements with private corporations, including wildland fire suppression contractors, for the protection of forestlands within the state.
Fire Protection Service Agencies.
A fire protection service agency is a public entity responsible for the provision of firefighting services, to include, among others, fire protection districts, regional fire protection service authorities, and the DNR.
Rangeland Fire Protection Associations.
Rangeland fire protection associations (RFPAs) are volunteer-based groups organized for local fire protection. Structurally, RFPAs are independent, generally nonprofit, organizations governed by their members. Washington does not have a structure for recognizing or incorporating rangeland fire protection associations into the existing scheme of public fire protection services.
Between 2026 and 2029 the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) must conduct a rangeland fire protection association (RFPA) pilot project (pilot) in Eastern Washington to assess measures needed for the safe and effective operation of RFPAs. A nonprofit or unincorporated RFPA may be formed under the pilot in areas outside the boundaries of fire protection service agencies and may enter into agreements with those agencies for wildfire detection, prevention, and suppression. No person may form or participate in an RFPA outside of the pilot.
An RFPA formed under the pilot must:
The operations of an RFPA may extend onto DNR-protected lands on a limited basis for the purpose of wildfire suppression.
In implementing the pilot, the DNR:
The DNR must report to the Legislature on the pilot by December 1 of each year. The authority for the pilot and to form an RFPA expires June 30, 2030.
The substitute bill makes the recommended wildland firefighter 2 level training for rangeland fire protection members a minimum required training level.
(In support) This bill would provide a proof of concept for a situation where the parties were not getting along. Other community initiatives have shown success despite initial resistance from the DNR. People near fires will fight them anyway, so a framework for cooperation, communication, and expanded resources once official responders establish command increases effectiveness. Local landowners have familiarity with the landscape and can provide critical information about the microclimate and the location of fences, gates, and cattle. This bill increases opportunities to respond to new fires when they are still small and manageable and prevent massive destruction. The bill creates important standards such as liability insurance, training, and personal protective equipment.
(Opposed) None.
(Other) The impetus for the bill is understandable, as we need more people fighting fires. Property owners are currently authorized to engage in fire suppression on their own land. However, there are concerns with the training standards provided by the bill. Currently firefighters need to have a red card along with training. It should be required that anyone in an RFPA, or at a minimum, anyone who participates beyond the initial attack phase, holds a red card. There are concerns with the lack of required coordination with local fire districts, which are adjacent to most of the rangeland covered by the bill. All fires eventually involve multiple jurisdictions, and under the current scheme, there is close coordination when this happens. Fire mobilization programs could be impacted by how an RFPA operates, and all viewpoints should be considered in authorizing RFPAs. Protection of rangeland, which has experienced highly destructive fires, is important.
(In support) Representative Tom Dent, prime sponsor; and Jay Kehne, Conservation Northwest.