Are big wildfire seasons and the acrid smoke that chokes our communities the new normal? …The answer: Without action, it will be. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be. A new plan in the state Legislature will create a dedicated funding source for fighting wildfires and forest health — Senate Bill 5996. The innovative plan creates the Wildfire Prevention and Suppression Account, which will dedicate $62.5 million a year to tackle our wildfire crisis. It will fund immediate suppression needs, allowing the Department of Natural Resources to build a 21st century wildfire fighting force. …New helicopters, more firefighters and improved training will ensure our wildland firefighters have the tools they need. …The account… will restore the health of 1.25 million acres of diseased and dying forests across Central and Eastern Washington.