117 SRES 667 ATS: Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire in Arizona. U.S. Senate 2022-06-08 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

III117th CONGRESS2d SessionS. RES. 667IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJune 8 (legislative day, June 7), 2022Mr. Kelly (for himself and Ms. Sinema) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed toRESOLUTIONCommemorating 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; andWhereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire burned for 5 weeks until the fire was declared contained on July 7, 2002: Now, therefore, be it

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.