Many forests in eastern Washington have built up too much fuel after decades of putting out most fires. Hotter, drier summers raise the chance that small fires turn into destructive megafires. This cause focuses on funding and scaling proven work like thinning, prescribed fire, and community readiness so fewer fires become disasters.
Why this matters now
Big wildfires can move fast and force evacuations with little warning. They can destroy homes, threaten lives, and spread smoke that affects health far from the flames.
Washington already has a plan and tools to lower risk. The missing piece is steady capacity—people, equipment, and funding—to do the work year after year and protect the places most exposed.