The Washington Utility Wildfire Mitigation Program helps electric utilities create wildfire prevention plans and carry out projects to reduce fire risk, such as strengthening the power grid or clearing vegetation. The program goals are to help Washington electric utilities prepare for growing wildfire risks, improve their ability to recover from wildfires, and manage the power grid in a safe, reliable, and cost-effective way.
Wildfire risk in Washington
While electric utility equipment can start wildfires, most wildfires are still caused by human activities like burning debris, recreation, and other behaviors, according to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 2024.
Addressing risk through planning
In 2023, HB 1032 required all electric utilities in Washington to update and adopt wildfire mitigation plans by October 31, 2024. Investor‑owned utilities must submit plans to the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and consumer‑owned utilities must submit them to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Additionally, all plans must be made publicly available.
These plans assess the risk of wildfire within a utility’s service territory and describe mitigation measures that the utility intends to take to reduce the risk of electrical infrastructure igniting fires during hot and windy conditions. The plans are published on the Washington State Department of Natural Resources website. The Utility Wildfire Mitigation Program supports Wildfire Mitigation Planning by utilities through:
- One-on-one consultation
- Creation of the Utility Wildfire Mitigation Workgroup
- Development of guidance and tools
- Working with rule makers and fire response agencies
Partner resources
Planning tools
- Washington Electric Utility Wildland Fire Mitigation Plan Template (Word)
- Wildfire mitigation plan FAQ (Word)
- Submit your utility’s wildfire mitigation plan via email to UtilityWMP@DNR.WA.gov
Wildfire mitigation planning legislation
- WA HB1032: Reducing wildfire risk by helping each electric utility plan and identify best practices that fit their specific needs.
- RCW 76.04.185: Electric utility wildfire mitigation plan.
- RCW 80.28.440: governs the wildfire mitigation reports required for IOUs
Additional resources
- PNNL Releases Database Tracking Wildfire Mitigation Plans Nationwide
- National Wildfire Mitigation Plans Analysis
- National Wildfire Mitigation Plans Database
- Risk Management Toolkit for Public Power Utilities