[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 91 (Friday, July 10, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S7961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     FLORIDA'S WILDFIRE ASSISTANCE

 Mr. MACK. Mr. President, I rise today to make a few remarks on 
the extraordinary efforts which are currently taking place in my home 
state of Florida. For over a month now, as I am sure we are all well 
aware, devastating wildfires have ravaged Florida, impacting all of our 
67 counties. Since this crisis began, more than 2,000 separate fires to 
date have been identified and more than 500,000 acres of state and 
federal land have been burned.
  While these facts are certainly overwhelming, I think it is important 
that we take a moment to recognize the heroic campaign which has been 
undertaken to contain these fires. Last week I had the opportunity to 
tour the fire ravaged area of Volusia County, and I met with 
firefighters and emergency officials on the front line of what has been 
a constant battle. I was simply overwhelmed by the determination of 
these men and women who have undertaken the challenge of extinguishing 
these fires. These brave individuals are working 16 to 18 hours a day 
in extreme temperatures and the harshest of conditions. Tragically, 
these fires have consumed over 367 homes and 33 businesses. It is, 
however, thanks to the efforts of these individuals that losses have 
remained at this level.
  These dedicated professionals, who have put their lives on the line 
fighting the wildfires, represent the tremendous support which Florida 
has received by our fellow Americans. Not since Hurricane Andrew in 
1992 have we seen an outpouring of human kindness and supplies from 
around the country to help Florida fight a natural disaster of this 
magnitude. It is disasters like this which bring the American people 
together and makes our country one giant community. To date, 44 states, 
from as far away as California and Alaska, are involved in this effort. 
Through an outstanding coordinated effort on the part of local, state 
and federal agencies, countless numbers of people are working behind 
the scenes, including the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and private 
citizens.
  I have remained in close contact with state and federal emergency 
officials, and I am confident all that can be done is being done. What 
Florida really needs is rain. While the situation still remains quite 
volatile, the weather patterns do offer some hope and relief to the 
devastated areas. Over the past few days several rainstorms have 
offered some relief, however much more is still needed to completely 
extinguish the fires. I know all of my colleagues join me in letting 
the firefighters, emergency officials and residents battling these 
fires know they are in our thoughts and prayers as they continue the 
fight to extinguish these fires.

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