[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 158 (Tuesday, November 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        PENINSULA FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BLAZES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 4, 2003

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the extraordinary efforts 
of our firefighters called to duty in Southern California during the 
recent wildfires.
   We all watched closely the television coverage of the terrifying 
devastation of unimaginable proportions in widespread fires so large we 
learned the names of the Old Fire, the Cedar Fire, and the Grand Prix 
Fire.
   The latest statistics reflect the enormous impact caused by these 
fires. Twenty-one lives have been lost, nearly 3500 homes destroyed, 
with nearly 650,000 acres of state, federal, and private land involved. 
The firefighting cost alone is already estimated at over $90 million. 
This only represents some of the measurable loss for no estimation can 
ever determine the human cost of lives, homes, and lands lost.
   Firefighters from all over came to help their neighbors in this time 
of desperate need. An estimated 12,000 firefighters were on the fire 
line over last weekend. I am particularly proud of the firefighters 
from my Congressional district that responded to the alarm.
   Fire Captain Charles Barringer of San Bruno, California, led a 
strike team of firefighters from Millbrae, San Mateo, Burlingame, 
Hillsborough, and San Bruno to help fight the blaze in Simi Valley in 
Ventura County. Captain Barringer said that he never had seen anything 
like it and that ``it was like a volcano went off in the streets.''
   Another strike team led by Foster City Battalion Chief Stan Maupin 
was made up of firefighters from Woodside, Menlo Park, South County 
Fire, Redwood City, and Foster City. This team fought the fires in San 
Bernardino County.
   Each of these two teams spent about a week fighting the fires and 
now have returned home. It is my understanding that a third team from 
San Mateo County consisting of firefighters from South San Francisco, 
Daly City, Colma, Half Moon Bay, and Hillsborough remains on duty in 
Southern California.
   On behalf of the people of my district I wish to extend our 
heartfelt sympathies to those who have lost family members and friends. 
To those who are suffering from the devastation we hope you know that 
all your neighbors have stood with you and stand ready to help you 
rebuild and recover.
   I am pleased to join my distinguished colleagues, Mrs. Davis and Mr. 
Hunter as a cosponsor of H. Res. 425 to recognize and honor the 
firefighters and other public servants who responded to the October 
2003, historically devastating, outbreak of wildfires in Southern 
California.
   I commend all those who have been engaged in this fight. Most 
particularly I commend those firefighters from San Francisco and San 
Mateo County who answered the call and risked their lives to help 
others. I have always been proud of our firefighters and am reminded 
once again of their dedicated and selfless service.

                          ____________________