Aerial fire suppression bill signed by Gov. Inslee

COLFAX — Gov. Jay Inslee signed Rep. Mary Dye’s aerial suppression bill into law Monday, May 15, culminating a seven-year effort to get the state to reimburse local fire districts for their costs of using helicopters and airplanes to attack a wildland fire when it initially breaks out.

“It would be really beneficial for us to have that asset before we need that,” said Whitman County Director of Emergency Management, Bill Tensfeld. “It gives responders an extra tool while they are making access to the fire.”

Tensfeld has held his position for ten years and believes this new law will help commun...