WA lands commissioner wants 100M boost for wildfire funding - My Edmonds News

Washington's public lands commissioner, Dave Upthegrove, is advocating for a $100 million increase in wildfire funding from the Legislature. His proposal includes a substantial $60 million specifically for wildfire prevention initiatives, reflecting the urgency of addressing the state's escalating wildfire risks. The request highlights ongoing concerns about the impact of climate change on wildfire frequency and intensity, which have led to devastating fires in recent years. Upthegrove stresses the necessity of adequate funding to ensure the safety of both public lands and local communities. The funding would support enhanced firefighting capabilities and promote proactive measures to mitigate wildfire hazards.

This initiative aligns with broader efforts to improve forest management and protect natural resources. If the Legislature approves the funding, it would represent a significant investment in the state's wildfire response strategy. The proposed measures aim to not only combat existing wildfire threats but also to prevent future occurrences.