A couple days after proposing a first-of-its-kind statewide wildfire fund, Washington's Commissioner of Public Lands made a stop in Kennewick on Wednesday to tour a local fire station and discuss the proposal.
Commissioner Hilary Franz announced the proposal in Seattle on Monday to create the Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness Account. During her time in Tri-Cities, she was able to talk with Benton County Fire District #1 Chief Lonnie Click and get a tour of Station 160.
"Part of the revenue that is generated through this plan would go to fire protection resources that are not just at the state level but also local fire districts that see increasing amount of wildfires," said Franz.
The proposal would create a $63 million dollar fund that would have two, specific focuses: restoring forest health and giving fire crews the resources needed to keep fires small.