WashingtonWashington intends to support local aircraft use against wildfires
Starting June 11, 2026, Washington intends to support local fire departments’ use of aircraft during the initial attack on wildfires.
What it does
Washington intends to continue providing suppression funding and aviation resources for local fire departments using aircraft against wildfires. Fire chiefs decide when to use aircraft, and trained commanders direct air operations.
Argument forState support could help local fire chiefs use aircraft sooner, giving crews a chance to stop some wildfires before they spread.
Argument againstBecause local fire chiefs decide when aircraft are warranted, some communities may receive less air support than others during wildfires.
More detail
The law states that Washington intends to continue supporting local departments’ use of aircraft against wildfires. The stated intent covers local fire departments statewide using aircraft during the initial attack on wildland fires. Local fire chiefs decide whether conditions warrant aircraft use. Trained air operations commanders direct aircraft deployment and air operations. The law takes effect June 11, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 20Effective date 6/11/2026.Latest
- Mar 20Chapter 117, 2026 Laws.Major
- Mar 20Governor Bob Ferguson signed.Became Law
- Mar 10Delivered to Governor.To Governor
- Mar 9President signed.Passed Senate
- Mar 6Speaker signed.Passed House
- Mar 5Third reading, passed; yeas, 47; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.Minor
- Vote recorded 3rd Reading & Final Passage (#36). Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 5Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.Minor
- Mar 3Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.Minor
- Mar 2Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
- Mar 2WM - Majority; do pass.Minor
- Mar 2Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 10:30 AM.
- Feb 26Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.
- Feb 24Referred to Ways & Means.Minor
- Feb 23And refer to Ways & Means.Minor
- Feb 23ANR - Majority; do pass.Minor
- Feb 23Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 1:30 PM.
- Feb 19Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 1:30 PM.
- Feb 17First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources.Minor
- Feb 13Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.Minor
- Vote recorded 3rd Reading & Final Passage (#34). Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 13Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.Minor
- Feb 12Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.Minor
- Feb 9Referred to Rules 2 Review.Minor
- Feb 9APP - Majority; do pass.Minor
- Feb 9Executive action taken in the House Committee on Appropriations at 10:30 AM.
- Feb 7Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 9:00 AM.
- Feb 4Referred to Appropriations.Minor
- Feb 3AGNR - Majority; do pass.Minor
- Feb 3Executive action taken in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 10:30 AM.
- Jan 23Public hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 10:30 AM.
- Jan 12First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources.Minor
- 2025
- Dec 8Prefiled for introduction.Introduced
Public SafetyEmergency ManagementEnvironment & Energy