[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 724 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 724

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                     September 9, 2009.
Whereas beginning in August 2009, California has experienced a number of 
        devastating wildfires which have burned hundreds of thousands of acres 
        of public and private lands, destroyed and damaged structures and homes, 
        and forced the evacuation of thousands of homes and businesses;
Whereas high temperatures and erratic winds caused the multiple fires to rapidly 
        progress to a point that the Governor of California proclaimed a state 
        of emergency in the counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, 
        Monterey, Placer, and Mariposa;
Whereas loss of life and serious injuries have resulted from the fires;
Whereas beginning on August 26, 2009, the Station Fire, ignited by arson, has 
        burned more than 160,000 acres of public lands and private property in 
        Los Angeles County and the Angeles National Forest, including over 200 
        structures and homes;
Whereas the Station Fire is one of the largest in modern California history and 
        the largest wildfire in the modern history of Los Angeles County;
Whereas as of September 9, 2009, the Station Fire continues to threaten 7,000 
        structures in the Angeles National Forest and nearby communities like 
        Altadena, La Canada Flintridge, Acton, Glendale, La Crescenta, Pasadena, 
        Littlerock, Sunland, Sierra Madre, and Tujunga;
Whereas more than 8,000 fire personnel, 800 fire engines, approximately 40 
        helicopters, 13 fixed-winged aircraft, and 88 water tenders have been 
        deployed statewide to assist with firefighting efforts;
Whereas the extraordinary effort made by firefighters throughout the region 
        contributed to the preservation of the historic Mount Wilson 
        Observatory, a national landmark for astronomical research;
Whereas on August 30, 2009, the lives of two firefighters with the County of Los 
        Angeles Fire Department were lost while battling the Station Fire: Fire 
        Captain Tedmund ``Ted'' Hall, 47, and Firefighter Specialist Arnaldo 
        ``Arnie'' Quinones, 34;
Whereas Fire Captain Tedmund Hall, of San Bernardino County, was a 26-year 
        veteran of the fire service, and is survived by his wife, two sons, and 
        his parents;
Whereas Firefighter Specialist Arnaldo Quinones, of Palmdale, was an 8-year 
        veteran of the fire service and soon-to-be father and is survived by his 
        wife and his mother;
Whereas more than 10 firefighters were injured as they put their lives on the 
        line to respond to wildfires in California;
Whereas it is clear that the continued commitment and heroism exhibited by 
        firefighters has saved countless lives, homes, and businesses;
Whereas additional emergency personnel, such as law enforcement and medical 
        personnel, have coordinated with local authorities and firefighters and 
        have performed beyond the call of duty in the preservation and 
        protection of human lives; and
Whereas hundreds of volunteers gave their time to help ensure that evacuees are 
        sheltered, clothed, fed, and emotionally comforted through this 
        traumatic event: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) offers its deepest sympathy to the families of those servicemen 
        who lost their lives fighting the Station Fire in Southern California;
            (2) commends the thousands of firefighters and emergency responders 
        who continue to risk their lives fighting the wildfires throughout 
        California;
            (3) expresses condolences to the individuals and families who lost 
        their homes and other property in the wildfires;
            (4) extends its appreciation for the ongoing work to protect the 
        communities and businesses that continue to be threatened by fire; and
            (5) condemns the acts of arson perpetrated in igniting the Los 
        Angeles County Station Fire.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.