Dent Bill Looks To Improve Wildfire Response In Rural Washington

Two bills from State Representative Tom Dent are now law after being signed by Washington Governor Bob Ferguson.  The bills look to boost wildfire response and improve timber sales statewide.

House Bill 2104 makes the state’s Aviation Assurance Funding Program permanent, ensuring aircraft and crews are ready for rapid wildfire response. He said this is a major step in protecting communities, natural resources, and the state's economy from devastating wildfires. 

"Wildfires don't wait, and neither can our response," Dent said. "This program ensures we have the aircraft and resources ready for rapid initial attack - when a fire is small and manageable. That early response is the difference between a fire that's quickly contained and one that turns into a catastrophic, landscape-level disaster." 

Rural Washington Will Be Prepared, While The State Saves Money

The Moses Lake Republican added fast aerial response can also save taxpayer dollars by reducing the need for large-scale firefighting efforts. 

"When fires grow out of control, the state often has to rely on full mobilization, which is incredibly expensive and strains local resources," he said. "By strengthening our ability to respond immediately from the air, we can reduce the need for large-scale mobilization and better protect lives, property, and our natural resources." 

The second measure, House Bill 2348, streamlines how the state manages and sells timber through the Department of Natural Resources.

"This bill brings more clarity and consistency to how we manage and sell state lands,," Dent noted.  "It helps ensure our natural resources are managed responsibly while supporting the industries and communities that depend on them."

Dent's Bills Will Received In Olympia

Both bills received strong bipartisan support during the 2026 legislative session, passing the House and Senate unanimously. Both pieces of legislation take effect June 11th.

Click Here to learn more about HB 2104.  Click Here to learn more about HB 2348.

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