[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 8, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2868-S2869]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 667--COMMEMORATING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RODEO-
                        CHEDISKI FIRE IN ARIZONA

  Mr. KELLY (for himself and Ms. Sinema) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 667

       Whereas June 18, 2022, is the 20th anniversary of the 
     Rodeo-Chediski Fire;
       Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire forced the evacuation of 
     more than 30,000 people in Arizona, including in the City of 
     Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Navajo County, and the White 
     Mountain Apache Tribe communities of Hon-Dah;
       Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire burned 468,638 acres (742 
     square miles), making it second largest wildfire recorded in 
     the State of Arizona;
       Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire damaged and destroyed 491 
     structures, including homes and businesses;
       Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire started as 2 wildfires that 
     later merged into the first megafire in Arizona history;
       Whereas, on June 18, 2002, the human-caused Rodeo Fire 
     ignited near the Rodeo Fairgrounds near the community of 
     Cibecue, located on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation 
     (commonly known as the ``White Mountain Apache 
     Reservation'');

[[Page S2869]]

       Whereas Rodeo Fire burned at a rate of 2,000 acres per hour 
     for the first 30 hours with flame lengths up to 1,000 feet 
     and ground temperatures above 2,000 degrees;
       Whereas fire-fighting aviation support was grounded during 
     the Rodeo Fire due to high, erratic winds, requiring a total 
     airspace closure for the third time in the history of 
     wildland firefighting in the United States;
       Whereas, on June 20, 2002, the human-caused Chediski Fire 
     was reported near Chediski Peak in the Apache-Sitgreaves 
     National Forests about 20 miles northwest of the Rodeo Fire;
       Whereas, on June 20, 2002, Arizona Governor Jane Dee Hull 
     declared a state of emergency and authorized mobilization of 
     the Arizona National Guard to support firefighters;
       Whereas, on June 23, 2002, the 2 fires burned together and 
     were redesignated as the Rodeo-Chediski Fire;
       Whereas, on June 25, 2002, President George W. Bush arrived 
     at Springerville Municipal Airport, Springerville, Arizona, 
     and signed a declaration that designated the Rodeo-Chediski 
     Fire a national disaster;
       Whereas more than 4,500 firefighters and support personnel, 
     30 helicopters, 251 engines, 92 water tankers, and 90 
     bulldozers were assigned to the Rodeo-Chediski Fire; and
       Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire burned for 5 weeks until 
     the fire was declared contained on July 7, 2002: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski 
     Fire;
       (2) commends the courage of local residents affected by the 
     Rodeo-Chediski Fire;
       (3) extends condolences to individuals who lost homes, 
     businesses, and property; and
       (4) honors the life-saving bravery and sacrifices of the 
     firefighters and first responders assigned to the Rodeo-
     Chediski Fire.

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