Bill > HB1048

This bill establishes a five-year pilot project for Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) in eastern Washington, designed to leverage local knowledge and capabilities for wildfire prevention and suppression. The pilot project, to be implemented by the Department of Natural Resources from 2026 to 2029, will create a framework for nonprofit associations of ranchers, farmers, and rural property owners to assist in firefighting efforts. Key provisions include requirements that RFPA members be at least 18 years old, complete wildland firefighter training (specifically Wildland Firefighter 2 level), and use appropriate personal protective equipment during fire suppression activities. The associations must develop formal agreements with fire protection service agencies, maintain liability insurance, and operate within specified geographical boundaries. The department will annually review and report on the pilot project's safety, training, funding, governance, operational effectiveness, and inter-agency communication. The legislation emphasizes that participation is strictly limited to this pilot project and includes an expiration date of June 30, 2030, ensuring the initiative is a time-limited experiment to assess the potential effectiveness of community-based wildfire response teams.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1048&Year=2025&Initiative=false