Drop in state funding for WAs work to prevent severe wildfires is stoking concerns

Washington's wildfire preparedness funding has been cut from $115 million to $60 million, raising alarms about the potential for larger and more destructive wildfires. Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove emphasized that without restored funding, taxpayers could incur higher costs in the long run. Governor Bob Ferguson acknowledged the importance of existing resources but stopped short of calling for an increase. The Department of Natural Resources claims it is ready for the current fire season, thanks to leftover funds, but warns that reduced funding will limit future fire mitigation efforts. Past efforts, funded by House Bill 1168, have successfully thinned forests and conducted prescribed burns, which helped lessen damage during recent fires.

Officials noted that areas treated before fires experienced less severe damage, while untreated areas suffered high-severity burns. The department aims to restore a natural mix of forest density to reduce fire risks and support biodiversity. As the fire season progresses, the need for sustained funding becomes increasingly critical to protect both ecosystems and communities.