Dye: Bill Will Prevent A Repeat of 2015 Wildfire Season

SE Washington’s Mary Dye says she does not want to see a repeat of the 2015 fire season, in which 1 600 square miles of Washington burned, destroying nearly 300 homes, businesses and outbuildings.  The Pomeroy Republican says quick response and the right resources could help prevent such catastrophic damage.  She’s sponsored legislation that would create a pre-mobilization program to help local agencies pay for aerial support during the initial attack of a fire.

“The idea of having a few buckets of water or retardant from a helicopter in the initial attack of a small wildland fire while the pumpers and the brush trucks arrive intuitively suggests that fewer fires will grow to need a state mobilization.”

Dye’s bill would allow local fire agencies to request reimbursement under the assistance program after first deployment of aircraft during a wildfire.  The legislation was given unanimous approval last week in a House committee.  Now the measure awaits being sent for a vote on the House floor.

Click Here to learn more about HB 1736.

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