The Washington State Association of Fire Marshals (WSAFM) is urging state leaders to rethink how HB 1168 wildfire resilience funding is allocated. In 2021, Washington established a goal of investing $500 million over four biennia in wildfire response, forest restoration, and community resilience. However under current funding, money for wildfire preparation is providing to organizations for  planning – WSAFM recommends creating specific grants directly to homeowners to help them afford to harden their homes and make their property firewise.  Similarly, money for the fire service is limited to certain jurisdictions with caps of $20,000—an amount that fall far short of the real costs of wildfire readiness and response.

We need more funding directed toward practical home-hardening projects, stronger local fire-response capacity, and fewer bureaucratic barriers. Wildfire resilience means investing in the people, homes, and communities on the front lines.

Read WSAFM’s letter and our recommendations on HB 1168 Funding.