Washington is heading into wildfire season—and lawmakers just slashed its fire prevention budget.

The state legislature’s new budget proposal cuts up to $85 million in wildfire mitigation and response funding. That’s one-third less than what experts say is needed to keep communities safe. For years, this funding has helped Washington hold 95% of its wildfires to under 10 acres. Now that progress is at risk.

This isn’t just about money—it’s about safety. Fires are getting deadlier and more frequent with climate change. Federal instability, staffing shortages, and delays in firefighting coordination have already left states stretched thin.

These cuts threaten the lives of residents, the homes of working families, and the firefighters on the front lines.

We’re calling on Washington’s legislative leaders to restore the full $125 million wildfire prevention and response budget—before it’s too late.