Bill Looks To Create Rangeland Fire Protection Association Pilot

Last week, Washington’s House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee took public testimony on a bill directing the Department of Natural Resources to create Rangeland Fire Protection Associations pilot project.  House Bill 1048, introduced by Moses Lake Republican Tom Dent would allow for public-private partnerships in the form of RFPAs in which citizens would work with fire departments to provide an initial attack.

“They're on the fire, they are the local people, they know where the fences are, they know where the gates are, they know where the livestock are, they know the microclimate that’s there," Dent said.  " And they know the roads and when the next fire district comes in, they [the RFPA] can be an asset to them.   And it also keeps them engaged in the fire.”

Under the bill DNR must conduct that RFPA pilot projects between 2026 and 2029.

"They've done it in Oregon, in Idaho with pretty good success," Dent said.  "It's been a bit of a challenge here.  This year, we scaled it down to a pilot project in Eastern Washington.  I'm hopeful that we're going to get this across the finish line this year.  I just believe that working together is an answer.”

The bill has until February 21st to be approved by the committee and to continue through the legislative process.

Click Here to learn more about House Bill 1048.

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