In response to increasingly dangerous wildfires in the Western United States, Washington State’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has pioneered an “all hands, all lands” wildfire prevention strategy. Launched in 2017, the 20-year forest health strategic plan focuses on restoring forests, fostering community fire resilience, and bolstering firefighting resources. By using forest science and fire risk modeling, the DNR assesses and treats high-risk areas through thinning and prescribed burns, and creates fire breaks. This program is funded by a 2021 state bill that earmarked $125 million per biennium for wildfire mitigation.

The strategy involves extensive collaboration with private landowners, tribes, and the federal government. Since 2017, almost 900,000 acres of forest have been treated, yielding positive results, such as during the 2021 Schneider Springs fire where treated areas survived. The DNR also emphasizes community resilience by creating fire breaks and supporting home hardening efforts. The state has increased its full-time firefighters and air firefighting resources and uses technologies like drones and predictive fire risk modeling. Revenue from forest treatments supports the restoration work, benefiting local economies. While acknowledging the ongoing threat of wildfires, Commissioner Upthegrove stresses the need for continued commitment to saving lives and homes through proactive strategies.