Committee hears bill to allow earlier pre-positioning of state fire resources

The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee on Jan. 24 heard testimony on House Bill 1271, a proposal to allow the Washington State Patrol fire chief to mobilize and pre-position fire service resources not only in response to an incident but also in preparation for one that is predicted to exceed local capabilities.

The bill’s sponsor and witnesses said the change is intended to speed response times and reduce damage from rapidly expanding wildfires and other disasters. “Each of us have a responsibility to do whatever we can to prepare our communities for wildfire response,” the prime sponsor said, arguing that pre-deployment helps contain fires sooner and protect life and property.

The nut graf: supporters — including local fire chiefs and marshals — told the committee the statutory change is largely procedural but would give clearer authority to pre-position strike teams and apparatus across the state using existing mobilization plans…