[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 343 Introduced in House (IH)]

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118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 343

Expressing support for the recognition of April 30 through May 6, 2023, 
as Wildfire Preparedness Week, the national event educating the public 
on fire safety and preparedness, and supporting the goals of a Wildfire 
                           Preparedness Week.


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             April 28, 2023

 Mrs. Torres of California (for herself, Ms. Lofgren, Mrs. Napolitano, 
 Mr. Schiff, Ms. Chu, Ms. Lee of California, Ms. Brownley, Ms. Jacobs, 
Ms. Matsui, Mr. Harder of California, Ms. Pettersen, Ms. Bonamici, Ms. 
Sanchez, Mr. Costa, Mr. Khanna, Mr. Takano, Mr. Panetta, Mr. Cardenas, 
 Mr. Swalwell, Mr. Bera, Mr. Thompson of California, Mr. Huffman, Mr. 
  Aguilar, and Ms. Kamlager-Dove) submitted the following resolution; 
        which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Expressing support for the recognition of April 30 through May 6, 2023, 
as Wildfire Preparedness Week, the national event educating the public 
on fire safety and preparedness, and supporting the goals of a Wildfire 
                           Preparedness Week.

Whereas Wildfire Preparedness Week increases awareness of the threat of 
        wildfires and knowledge of lifesaving tactics;
Whereas Wildfire Preparedness Week, like other designated weeks or days for 
        natural disasters, promotes educational initiatives, encourages 
        community programming, and increases overall knowledge and preparedness;
Whereas the effects of long-term exposure to wildfire smoke will harm more 
        people, as particle pollution triggers asthma attacks, heart attacks, 
        and strokes, and can kill;
Whereas firefighters are on the frontlines and are at an increased risk of 
        developing cancer and respiratory diseases because they are exposed to 
        smoke and hazardous chemicals in the line of duty;
Whereas, in 2022, there were 68,988 wildfires that burned 7,577,183 acres, and 
        in California there were 7,490 wildfires and over 362,455 acres burned;
Whereas nearly 85 percent of wildland fires in the United States are caused by 
        humans;
Whereas, from January 1, 2023, there have been over 11,910 wildfires and over 
        351,000 acres burned;
Whereas the wildfire season in California increases every year in length and 
        frequency of fires;
Whereas the United States experienced a large number of wildfires from West 
        Coast to East Coast; and
Whereas preventative measures exist to help individuals and communities increase 
        their fire resilience through--

    (1) evacuation planning and assistance for people and their animals;

    (2) vegetation and forest management; and

    (3) limited use of combustibles during high heat or drier seasons, 
including fireworks, exhaust, and open flames: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals of Wildfire Preparedness Week;
            (2) supports resources and educational initiatives that 
        communicate how affected communities can take preventative 
        measures such as instituting early warning systems and reducing 
        unplanned human ignitions, as well as how to safely and 
        efficiently evacuating people and their animals; and
            (3) encourages increased awareness of and preparedness for 
        the threat of wildfires and subsequent suppression efforts.
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