[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 667 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

<DOC>






117th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 667

   Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire in 
                                Arizona.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                 June 8 (legislative day, June 7), 2022

    Mr. Kelly (for himself and Ms. Sinema) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
   Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire in 
                                Arizona.

Whereas June 18, 2022, is the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire;
Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire forced the evacuation of more than 30,000 people 
        in Arizona, including in the City of Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Navajo 
        County, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe communities of Hon-Dah;
Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire burned 468,638 acres (742 square miles), making 
        it second largest wildfire recorded in the State of Arizona;
Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire damaged and destroyed 491 structures, including 
        homes and businesses;
Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire started as 2 wildfires that later merged into 
        the first megafire in Arizona history;
Whereas, on June 18, 2002, the human-caused Rodeo Fire ignited near the Rodeo 
        Fairgrounds near the community of Cibecue, located on the Fort Apache 
        Indian Reservation (commonly known as the ``White Mountain Apache 
        Reservation'');
Whereas Rodeo Fire burned at a rate of 2,000 acres per hour for the first 30 
        hours with flame lengths up to 1,000 feet and ground temperatures above 
        2,000 degrees;
Whereas fire-fighting aviation support was grounded during the Rodeo Fire due to 
        high, erratic winds, requiring a total airspace closure for the third 
        time in the history of wildland firefighting in the United States;
Whereas, on June 20, 2002, the human-caused Chediski Fire was reported near 
        Chediski Peak in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests about 20 miles 
        northwest of the Rodeo Fire;
Whereas, on June 20, 2002, Arizona Governor Jane Dee Hull declared a state of 
        emergency and authorized mobilization of the Arizona National Guard to 
        support firefighters;
Whereas, on June 23, 2002, the 2 fires burned together and were redesignated as 
        the Rodeo-Chediski Fire;
Whereas, on June 25, 2002, President George W. Bush arrived at Springerville 
        Municipal Airport, Springerville, Arizona, and signed a declaration that 
        designated the Rodeo-Chediski Fire a national disaster;
Whereas more than 4,500 firefighters and support personnel, 30 helicopters, 251 
        engines, 92 water tankers, and 90 bulldozers were assigned to the Rodeo-
        Chediski Fire; and
Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire burned for 5 weeks until the fire was declared 
        contained on July 7, 2002: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski 
        Fire;
            (2) commends the courage of local residents affected by the 
        Rodeo-Chediski Fire;
            (3) extends condolences to individuals who lost homes, 
        businesses, and property; and
            (4) honors the life-saving bravery and sacrifices of the 
        firefighters and first responders assigned to the Rodeo-
        Chediski Fire.
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