Rep. Tom Dent legislation to strengthen wildfire aviation response receives public hearing
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Rep. Tom Dent legislation to strengthen wildfire aviation response receives public hearing
Legislation to make Washington’s aviation assurance funding program for wildland fire response permanent received a public hearing in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Friday.
House Bill 2104, sponsored by Rep. Tom Dent builds on a pilot program enacted in 2023 that allows local and tribal fire departments to deploy certified aviation assets during the critical initial attack phase of a wildland fire. HB 2104 removes the program’s sunset date, ensuring continued financial assurance for local fire chiefs when rapid aerial response is needed.
“Wildland fires don’t wait, and neither can our response,” said Dent, R-Moses Lake. “Testimony reinforced what firefighters across the state already know: early access to aviation resources can stop fires before they become large, destructive events. This bill helps ensure local departments can act quickly and decisively.”
The committee heard testimony highlighting the importance of aviation assets in suppressing fires before they become catastrophic and threaten communities, rangelands, timberlands, and crops. Supporters emphasized that early aerial response can prevent fires from escalating to state mobilization, reducing long-term suppression costs and protecting air quality.
“This is about using proven tools earlier, when they’re most effective,” Dent said. “Making this program permanent gives local fire departments the confidence and capacity to protect lives, property, and natural resources throughout the fire season.”
HB 2104 continues to authorize the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to provide suppression funding, when available, to support local fire departments using certified and trained aviation resources. All air operations are conducted under the direction of trained air operations commanders and coordinated through established interagency processes.
The bill also reflects findings that the existing aviation assurance pilot program has improved wildfire response efficiency and strengthened coordination between local departments and state resources.
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee may vote on HB 2104 next week.
The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on March 12.
