Lawmakers emphasize training and emergency funding for wildland firefighters; Rep. Marshall says he voted for HB1628

Federal and state lawmakers at the town hall urged stable funding, improved training and better pre‑positioning of resources to address wildfires and protect communities.

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland said climate change and regional smoke make wildfire preparedness essential and called for adequate emergency funding so states can respond and request federal assistance without delay. “Let's make sure that we adequately fund FEMA,” Strickland said, adding that recruitment and retention of firefighters and volunteer workforce development are part of the solution.

State Representative Matt Marshall said his first job after high school was as a firefighter and described on‑the‑ground experience with major wildland incidents. Marshall said he voted yes on House Bill 16 28 (referred to in the meeting as HB1628), which he said passed the House and moved to the Senate. He said he supported measures that would allow fire departments to pre‑position state resources earlier when small fires show signs of escalating.

Officials said incentives for property owners to create defensible space and clearer pathways for federal, state and local coordination on staffing and funding are also priorities; no final funding formula was described.