Washington state legislator Tom Dent of Moses Lake says he hopes to get three new wildfire mitigation bills passed in the upcoming legislative session. The 2018 session starts Jan. 8. The newest piece of legislation drafted by Dent allows for the formation of Rangeland Fire Protection Associations. Dent says its an opportunity for local landowners to protect their own property and their neighbors’ property where no fire protection services are available. Idaho and Oregon have these associations in place and Dent says they are a success. In addition to that, Dent’s House Bill 1019 would expand the definition of “mobilization: in order have state resources and services in position before a wildfire starts.