# RCW 76.04.016: RCW 76.04.016: Fire prevention and suppression capacity—Duties owed to public in general—Legislative intent

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T76_C04_S016

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 76.04.016
- **Heading:** RCW 76.04.016: Fire prevention and suppression capacity—Duties owed to public in general—Legislative intent
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 76 / Chapter 04 / Section 016

## Text

The department when acting, in good faith, in its statutory capacity as a fire prevention and suppression agency, is carrying out duties owed to the public in general and not to any individual person or class of persons separate and apart from the public. Nothing contained in this title, including but not limited to any provision dealing with payment or collection of forest protection or fire suppression assessments, may be construed to evidence a legislative intent that the duty to prevent and suppress forest fires is owed to any individual person or class of persons separate and apart from the public in general. This section does not alter the department's duties and responsibilities as a landowner.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 76.04.005 RCW 76.04.005: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T76_C04_S005.md)
- [RCW 76.04.015 RCW 76.04.015: Fire protection powers and duties of department—Enforcement—Investigation—Administration.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T76_C04_S015.md)
- [RCW 76.04.016 RCW 76.04.016: Fire prevention and suppression capacity—Duties owed to public in general—Legislative intent.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T76_C04_S016.md)
- [RCW 76.04.021 RCW 76.04.021: Department must accommodate livestock owner's request to retrieve or care for animals at risk due to a wildfire—Liability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T76_C04_S021.md)
- [RCW 76.04.025 RCW 76.04.025: Federal funds.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T76_C04_S025.md)
- [RCW 76.04.035 RCW 76.04.035: Wardens—Appointment—Duties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T76_C04_S035.md)
- [RCW 76.04.045 RCW 76.04.045: Rangers—Appointment—Ex officio rangers—Compensation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T76_C04_S045.md)
- [RCW 76.04.055 RCW 76.04.055: Service of notices.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T76_C04_S055.md)
- [RCW 76.04.065 RCW 76.04.065: Arrests without warrants.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T76_C04_S065.md)
- [RCW 76.04.075 RCW 76.04.075: Rules—Penalty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T76_C04_S075.md)
- [RCW 76.04.085 RCW 76.04.085: Penalty for violations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T76_C04_S085.md)
- [RCW 76.04.095 RCW 76.04.095: Cooperative protection.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T76_C04_S095.md)
- [RCW 76.04.105 RCW 76.04.105: Contracts for protection and development.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T76_C04_S105.md)
- [RCW 76.04.115 RCW 76.04.115: Articles of incorporation—Requirements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T76_C04_S115.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T76_C04_S016. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.