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HB 1563

Establishing a prescribed fire claims fund pilot program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Bernbaum and 22 co-sponsors

Washington creates a prescribed fire liability claims fund to compensate property owners for damages from state-conducted controlled burns, removing a barrier to forest management fire use.

Effective date 4/21/2025.
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Bill Summary · HB 1563

Legislative bill overview

HB 1563 establishes a pilot program in Washington State to create a claims fund that compensates property owners for damages caused by prescribed fires conducted for forest management purposes. The bill became law on April 21, 2025, and is effective immediately.

Why is this important

Prescribed burns are essential wildfire prevention tools but carry risks of escaped fires that damage private property. This fund addresses a major barrier to expanding prescribed fire programs—property owners' concerns about liability and uncompensated losses—which could enable more aggressive forest management in a state facing increasing wildfire threats.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: The bill's fiscal impact and whether the fund is adequately capitalized to cover actual damages from escaped fires
  • Eligibility and limitations: Unclear criteria for what types of damages qualify, claim caps, and whether the fund covers all costs or only partial compensation
  • Liability shift: Whether this effectively transfers financial risk from property owners to the state, potentially reducing incentives for fire agencies to maintain strict safety protocols
  • Program evaluation: The "pilot" status suggests temporary authorization, raising questions about long-term commitment and criteria for program continuation or expansion

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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