2021 Wildfire Season Challenging, but Help is on the Way in 2022

Wildfires within North Central Washington have been growing in frequency and intensity, but Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz knows help is on the way.

Funds from House Bill 1168, the largest investment package regarding wildfire ever passed in Washington State, became available Sunday. The legislation, which was passed earlier this year, provides $125 million for wildfire response and prevention every two years.

"Unfortunately, our fire season has come too early." said Franz, "Those resources will not be available to us until later, after this fire season is over."

The bill will bring on about 100 more firefighters at the state level. New aircraft will soon be purchased and added to the state's air fleet in time for the 2022 season. Local fire districts will also see grant funding for things like additional firefighters, bulldozers, engines and more. Also included in the bill is annual forest health work to make Washington's forests more climate resilient.

Franz added that they are tapped out of resources on the federal level.