Senate OKs bill allowing fire access

OLYMPIA – Angered by the arrest of a southwest Washington farmer trying to get to his farm to protect it from a looming wildfire, Sen. Mark Schoesler has won Senate approval of a bill to allow some property owners through fire roadblocks in order to defend their livestock and homes.

“This is a step forward after the tragic fires we had the past two years in southeastern Washington,” Schoesler, R-Ritzville, told the Senate Tuesday night. “Property owners were cut off from their property even when they had expertise operating heavy equipment to fight fires.”

The bill calls for law enforcement to develop a model policy about who’s authorized to access their land during a forest fire or wildfire. It also allows county sheriffs to set up a registry for people with farm or timberland who have equipment that could be used for fire suppression. People on the list “must be allowed” access and let through roadblocks. The law also would grant immunity to government agencies if any harm befalls those property owners or property.

“This is a step to make sure that those people’s rights are protected, to protect their property,” said Schoesler.

The bill lets some counties opt out.

“What’s a good idea in Garfield County might not be a good idea in King County,” said Sen. Ken Jacobsen, D-Seattle. “In many agricultural communities, landowners have historically played a role in protecting their lands from fires.”

The bill passed unanimously. It now goes to the House of Representatives.