[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 106 (Monday, July 16, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S5050]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 523--RECOGNIZING THE HEROIC EFFORTS OF FIREFIGHTERS 
    AND MILITARY PERSONNEL IN THE UNITED STATES TO CONTAIN NUMEROUS 
        WILDFIRES THAT HAVE AFFECTED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado (for himself, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Bennet, Ms. 
Murkowski, Mr. Reid of Nevada, Mr. Heller, Mr. McCain, Mr. Wyden, Mrs. 
Murray, Mr. Thune, Mr. Udall of New Mexico, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Tester, 
Mr. Bingaman, Mrs. Feinstein, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Levin, Mr. Johnson of 
South Dakota, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Sessions, Ms. Collins, and 
Mr. Johanns) submitted the following resolution; which was considered 
and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 523

       Whereas firefighters and residents of the United States 
     have contended with extreme and erratic fire behavior and 
     rapid rates of fire spread;
       Whereas, as of July 12, 2012, more than 31,754 wildfires 
     have burned more than 3,281,008 acres of land, resulting in a 
     devastating loss of life and property;
       Whereas, as of July 12, 2012, firefighters have battled 
     fires all across the Nation, including--
       (1) 1,637 fires that have burned more than 516,482 acres in 
     the Southwest United States;
       (2) 13,584 fires that have burned more than 291,957 acres 
     in the Southern United States;
       (3) 3,178 fires that have burned more than 819,345 acres in 
     the Northern and Central Rocky Mountain region of the United 
     States;
       (4) 4,963 fires that have burned more than 975,669 acres in 
     the State of California and the Great Basin region of the 
     United States;
       (5) 787 fires that have burned more than 595,096 acres in 
     the State of Alaska and the Northwest United States; and
       (6) 7,605 fires that have burned more than 82,459 acres in 
     the Eastern United States; and
       Whereas, the brave men and women who fight wildfires on a 
     daily basis help minimize the displacement of individuals and 
     protect against the loss of life and property: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the heroic efforts of firefighters and 
     military personnel to contain wildfires and protect lives, 
     homes, natural resources, and rural economies throughout the 
     United States;
       (2) encourages the people and Government of the United 
     States to express their appreciation to the brave men and 
     women in the firefighting services throughout the United 
     States;
       (3) encourages the people and communities of the United 
     States to act diligently in preventing and preparing for a 
     wildfire; and
       (4) encourages the people of the United States to keep in 
     their thoughts the individuals who have suffered as a result 
     of a wildfire.

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