Budget challenges a hurdle for Dent's regional firefighting bill
A firefighter clears fuel from the Retreat Fire last September. The fire was one of the largest in Washington during the 2024 wildfire season and Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, is trying to find ways to strengthen the initial attack on fires throughout Washington to prevent the damage they cause. The Retreat Fire burned more than 45,000 acres.
FILE PHOTO
Tom Dent, foreground, is the state representative for Washington's 13th district. He has been working on a bill to improve fighting wildfires since 2017.
OLYMPIA – Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, is working on a bill to create a pilot project, aimed at boosting wildfire prevention and responses in rural areas. The project intends to improve firefighting through collaboration between public and private entities. Dent has proposed this legislation since 2017, and although confident in its proposal, the budget deficit presents a significant challenge, he said.
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