Bill > HB2104

This bill addresses aviation resources for wildland fire response in Washington state by making permanent a pilot program that provides financial support to local fire departments for using aircraft in initial fire suppression efforts. The legislation recognizes that local fire departments are critical first responders to wildland fires, and that using aviation assets quickly can prevent small fires from becoming large, destructive incidents. The bill removes the expiration date from a previous program, allowing local fire departments to continue receiving funding from the Department of Natural Resources to deploy certified aircraft that can drop fire retardant or water during the early stages of a wildfire. The legislature aims to incentivize faster aircraft deployment by ensuring local fire departments have the financial capacity to use these resources at the discretion of their fire chiefs. By providing this financial assurance, the bill seeks to protect natural resources, improve air quality, minimize potential damage to lands and structures, and potentially reduce the need for broader state and federal fire agency mobilizations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2104&Year=2025&Initiative=false