After lawmakers reversed a $60 million cut, the state heads into a potentially dry summer with renewed resources.
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Heading into the 2026 wildfire season, Washington was on the verge of entering wildfire season with significantly fewer resources to prevent and fight fires.
Last year, lawmakers cut $60 million from the state’s wildfire prevention budget — slashing funding in half from $120 million to $60 million. The reduction raised concerns among fire officials about staffing, equipment and preparedness as the state approached another high-risk season.
This year, that funding has been restored.
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