[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 28, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E595]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    HONORING THE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES FIRE SAFE COUNCIL (MCFSC) OF 
                         IDYLLWILD, CALIFORNIA

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 28, 2015

  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Mountain Communities 
Fire Safe Council (MCFSC) of Idyllwild, California for their tireless 
dedication to keeping the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountain 
communities safe from devastating wild fires.
  Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council of Idyllwild is the local 
chapter of more than 125 Fire Safe Councils of California. Since 2002, 
volunteers and staff from the Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council 
have helped raise awareness among residents about the dangers of wild 
fires and helped residents take action to protect their land and 
property.
  MCFSC has organized members of the community to reduce hazards that 
can spread the devastation of wildfires in our mountains. MCFSC 
volunteers known as the ``Woodies'' are the heart of the organization. 
These selfless volunteers donate their time, tools and equipment to 
decrease wildfire hazards and reduce fuel storage on properties owned 
by elderly, disabled and low-income residents. Since the organization's 
inception, MCFSC volunteers have contributed more than 915 cords of 
firewood to the Idyllwild Help Center, and volunteered more than 24,107 
hours.
  In 2009, MCFSC received a U.S. Forest Service grant and worked to 
remove fuels from the areas surrounding structures in the Silent Valley 
Campground. Their extraordinary work in promoting fire preparedness and 
adaptation before the devastating 2013 Mountain Fire was credited by 
the U.S. Forest Service for reducing the severity of the fire and 
aiding firefighters.
  I congratulate the extraordinary volunteers of the Mountain 
Communities Fire Safe Council on their efforts and dedication to 
protecting our mountain communities.

                          ____________________