[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 434 Engrossed in House (EH)]


  2d Session

                            H. CON. RES. 434

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                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

  Commending the men and women who fought the year 2000 wildfires for 
their heroic efforts in protecting human lives and safety and limiting 
                            property losses.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
106th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 434

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                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Whereas the 2000 wildfire season in the United States was the largest and most 
        severe in the last 50 years and consisted of more than 85,000 wildfires;
Whereas almost 7,000,000 acres of public lands and adjacent State and private 
        lands were subjected to these wildfires;
Whereas over 30,000 professional and volunteer firefighters participated in 
        fighting and controlling these wildfires;
Whereas the Hotshot firefighting crews were instrumental in providing the 
        expertise and training necessary to restrict the severity of these 
        wildfires;
Whereas volunteer firefighters from across America and members of the Armed 
        Forces played a crucial role in combating these wildfires and preventing 
        them from destroying thousands of homes;
Whereas, in addition to the American firefighters, 1,800 men and women from 
        Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Mexico joined in the fight against 
        these wildfires;
Whereas the information and coordination of the National Interagency Fire Center 
        in Boise, Idaho, greatly assisted in minimizing the effects of these 
        wildfires;
Whereas the support from local residents, communities, and counties helped 
        maintain the high morale of the firefighters;
Whereas, in spite of the rugged terrain and the intense speed and size of the 
        year 2000 wildfires, the firefighter crews managed to limit property 
        losses to 852 structures; and
Whereas, if not for the hard work and dedication of these firefighters, the 
        lives of thousands of Americans could have been lost, the loss of 
        property could have been extensive, and the scenic beauty of the public 
        lands and adjacent State and private lands could have been severely 
        altered: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That the Congress--
            (1) commends the men and women, including professional 
        firefighters, volunteers, and military personnel, who fought 
        wildfires on public domain lands during the 2000 wildfire 
        season for their bravery, their extraordinary efforts to 
        contain the wildfires, and their commitment to protect lives, 
        property, and the surrounding communities; and
            (2) mourns the loss of life of the 16 persons who died 
        while defending the fire lines.

            Passed the House of Representatives October 30, 2000.

            Attest:

                                                                 Clerk.