DNR WUI Mapping - Review the Draft Hazard Map Now (2/2026)

Overview:  DNR is releasing their new wildfire risk map, and local AHJs will be required to use the map, or maps generated with substantially similar criteria, to enforce RCW 19.27.560 or your own locally adopted WUI.  Further, enforcement will only be allowed for parcels in areas identified as high hazard and very high hazard on the DNR map.  This requirement takes effect six months after the DNR maps are finalized.  WSAFM members are encouraged to review the draft map and assess how it will work at your permit counter, and provide comments to DNR (links below).  You are encouraged to verify this guidance. We have also been providing updates about this process throughout 2025 in our weekly email newsletters. 

Timing:  Maps are expected to take effect this summer, triggering the 6 month deadline for locals to use those maps or maps generated with criteria substantially similar to the DNR criteria.  WSAFM has representatives on the DNR committee and so far only draft maps have been reviewed. WSAFM raised several concerns about the criteria and their alignment to code enforcement needs at the permit counter along with the need for a local update process.  Legislation was proposed this session that would have allowed locals to modify the DNR maps using criteria from Appendix 3 of the WUI, and give locals more time to update local maps, but that legislation appears like it may not ultimately move forward in this short session that is very focused on revenue and budget items. WSAFM partnered closely with an active coalition including WABO, AWC, and Washington Counties as well as the sponsor of the legislation and we will all tackle this again next year if legislation is not passed this year to improve the situation. However it is likely that beginning in late 2026, we will need to use the DNR maps/criteria and any fix will come later in 2027 or 2028.

WSAFM Recommendations to Members: WSAFM is encouraging local fire marshals who are interested in wildland urban interface enforcement to review and comment on the DNR maps.  We recommend that you assess whether the maps are reasonable (enforcing in areas that are high or very high risk only) for use at your permit counters.  We recommend you provide feedback to your fire chiefs as well as DNR if you have concerns.  It is also important that DNR continues to hear that maps will need to be updated to stay accurate, and that locals need a way to easily amend the maps.

DNR Mapping Info:

• Link to draft map is: [DRAFT MAP]
• Public listening sessions around WA to provide feedback to DNR: Wildfire Hazard and Risk Mapping | Department of Natural Resources
• DNR mapping FAQ and Glossary

RCW and Background: 

• Under  RCW 43.30.580, DNR is supposed to create new hazard and risk maps. 
• Under RCW 19.27.560 subsection 4, six months after these maps become available,  local governments that enforce the WUI code must use the DNR map or ensure that their own maps use substantially similar criteria.  RCW 19.27.560 subsection 4: “(4) All counties, cities, and towns may complete their own wildfire hazard and base-level wildfire risk map for use in applying the code enumerated in subsections (1) and (2) of this section. Counties, cities, and towns may continue to use locally adopted wildfire risk maps until completion of a statewide wildfire hazard map and base-level wildfire risk map for each county of the state per RCW 43.30.580. Six months after the statewide wildfire hazard map and base-level wildfire risk map is complete, any map adopted by counties, cities, and towns must utilize the same or substantially similar criteria as the map required by subsection (1) of this section.”  
• RCW 19.27.560 subsection 5:  “All counties, cities, and towns issuing commercial and residential building permits for parcels in areas identified as high hazard and very high hazard on the map required by subsection (1) of this section or adopted according to subsection (4) of this section shall apply the code enumerated in subsections (1) or (2) of this section.”

Implementation Guidance for the WUI in Washington (4/2025) 

If local jurisdictions wish to enforce elements of the WUI that are not in RCW 19.27.560(1), such as defensible space provisions available in the I-WUIC, local jurisdictions will need to adopt some or all of the I-WUIC. 

In addition, to enforce the WUI, jurisdictions must adopt a map per RCW 19.27.560 and chapter 3 of the I WUIC. DNR has been directed to create new maps, which should be available in summer 2026. Please note that the previous DNR map is no longer valid for State WUI enforcement but can be used in the interim if adopted locally. 

• If your jurisdiction adopted a WUI map prior to 2024's SB 6120, you may continue using this map until six months after the DNR maps are released (new RCW 19.27.560(4)), after which time all local maps must use substantially similar criteria as the DNR map.
• Once the new DNR maps are created, local jurisdictions will no longer need to adopt their own maps and may instead use the DNR maps to enforce RCW 19.27.560.
• Once the new DNR maps are created, jurisdictions may continue to create their own maps, but the maps will need to align with the criteria used by DNR. See new RCW 19.27.560(4). 

2025's HB 1254 Does Not Pass, Would Have Affected WUI in WA

This bill would undo SB 6120 from last year, and lead to a more typical situation where SBCC could adopt the WUI with State amendments for all of WA.  Currently with SB 6120, only RCW 19.27.560 applies statewide, however local jurisdictions can adopt the full international WUI code if they want.  Please let WSAFM know if you have comments.

DNR Wildfire Risk Mapping Process

DNR is convening a steering committee to spend the next 16 months creating wildfire risk maps in response to SB 6120.  WSAFM will have two seats on the steering committee, one representing counties and one representing cities.  Please see this slide deck for more information.

2024's SB 6120 and Emergency Rule Affecting State WUI Code and DNR Map

SB 6120 modified laws in Washington related to the Wildland Urban Interface Code (WUIC).  SB 6120 included emergency provisions and will take effect upon the Governor’s signature, which is expected to occur in mid-March 2024.

SB 6120 removes SBCC authority to modify the State WUI beyond what is included in RCW 19.27.560(1).  Specifically, SB 6120 restricts the State WUIC requirements to Chapter 1 of the International WUIC and limited technical provisions (excluding defensible space).  All counties, cities, and towns may adopt some or all of the International WUIC referenced in RCW 19.27560(2), if they wish to have defensible space and other provisions that will not be in the State WUIC. When adopting the International WUIC locally to meet local needs, jurisdictions may amend the code and may exceed the minimum performance standards of the International WUI.

In order to start or continue enforcing the WUIC after this emergency rule takes effect, local jurisdictions should be aware of implementation recommendations.

WUI Code Amendments for 2021 Code in SBCC