[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 161 (Tuesday, October 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FIRES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 23, 2007

  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend 
my remarks.
  Over the past two days wildfires have exploded across Southern 
California, causing loss of life, and tens of thousands of acres of 
property and forest damage in San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Los 
Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and Orange Counties.
  In the Inland Empire, fires have burned many acres of land across the 
northern part of my district in Lytle Creek, 300 acres in the Sierra 
Lakes neighborhood of North Fontana and 160 acres in Ontario. 
Thankfully those fires have now been fully contained and no homes have 
been reported damaged.
  Unfortunately, there are currently more than 5,000 acres of land 
still being consumed by fires in the Mountain communities adjacent to 
my district. At last report, more than 136 homes have been destroyed 
and evacuations continue in this area. Schools in San Bernardino, 
Fontana and Ontario have all been closed. Children and families, 
friends, and even some of my staff have been affected.
  Evacuees are receiving shelter at the National Orange Show which is 
down the street from my district office in San Bernardino. At last 
count there were around 1,800 evacuees being housed there. 
Unfortunately we are hearing reports that not everyone affected by this 
disaster is receiving shelter. The center is being administered by the 
American Red Cross but they are only accommodating evacuees from 
designated evacuation areas. Those that are homeless and victims that 
are evacuating themselves from non-designated areas filled with smoke 
are not being serviced. We should not allow self-imposed regulations to 
prevent service to people that are in need. We must serve all 
residents, including homeless individuals, regardless of identification 
or citizenship status.
  All told, an estimated 350 homes will have been destroyed by these 
devastating fires. This means there are going to be many homeless 
families that will need food and shelter. In addition, we fear that our 
hospitals will see an influx of people with respiratory problems.
  The Inland Empire is a major railway and highway transportation hub 
but these fires have practically shut down access to many affected 
communities by closing down Highway 330 and HWY 18 leaving only one 
road, HWY 38 available for vehicles to go up and down the mountain. We 
need help containing these fires so that rescue and recovery personnel 
can get to these communities.
  The San Bernardino County's Department of Public Health has issued an 
air quality warning because of high soot levels in the air caused by 
the fires and the high winds. Inhaling these dangerous chemicals will 
undoubtedly create respiratory problems for many of our residents. I 
hope the American Red Cross and other federal assistance is available 
to our local first responders to ensure the public health needs of all 
affected individuals are met.
  I thank President Bush for his quick response in declaring a state of 
emergency in the areas affected by the wildfires. In a letter sent 
earlier today, I asked that he gives all federal support possible, 
including personnel, equipment, and funding, necessary for a speedy 
recovery.
  I also thank the brave men and women on the ground, who continue to 
fight the wildfires and evacuate those in harm's way. Throughout the 
day, I will be meeting with individuals from the U.S. Forest Service to 
remain as informed as possible on the coordination of federal and local 
activities. We are working to determine the best possible course of 
action to prevent further spread of the wildfires, and determine what 
future steps must be taken to ensure a quick and full recovery for 
those individuals and families whose lives are affected.
  As Chair of the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, 
Nutrition, and Forestry I plan to hold hearings to explore what lessons 
we can learn from these fires to be better prepared in the future and 
what steps we must take from here to ensure the fastest recovery 
possible.