[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 14, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E495-E496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE VALIANT EFFORTS OF THE MADISON COUNTY COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2024

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr Speaker, I rise to recognize the Madison County 
community for its valiant and courageous spirit.
  On October 24, 2023, Madison County first responders began the 
difficult task of containing the Quaker Run fire. The following day, 
Madison County declared a local emergency after the fire continued to 
burn and eventually spread into Shenandoah National Park. As the fire 
continued to grow and weather conditions continued to work against 
first responders, it was inspiring to watch local residents and 
volunteers come together--soon, local news stations and articles began 
to highlight these efforts and the contributions made by these brave 
individuals who assisted first responders in navigating the steep and 
difficult terrain to contain the fire.
  Unreliable cellphone service added to the uncertainty. In response to 
this, Verizon provided a mobile site for emergency personnel to use to 
facilitate and coordinate communication. It also allowed the Virginia 
Department of Forestry to generate maps on site that proved useful in 
helping organize the efforts on the ground to contain the fire.
  In the face of adversity, the community came together to protect 
neighboring areas

[[Page E496]]

and help Madison County in its efforts to contain the Quaker Run fire. 
Notably, volunteers--many of them local farmers and bear hunters--
helped install large containment lines to keep the fire away from the 
community and also helped distribute food and water. The collaborative 
effort between the Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department 
of Emergency Management, Virginia National Guard, National Park 
Service, USDA Forest Service, local fire and emergency services, law 
enforcement, and more than 140 volunteers and nearly 20 fire and EMS 
companies is a true reflection of the caring individuals who lent their 
time and a helping hand to assist in containing the fire and keeping 
Madison County residents safe.
  On November 3, 2023, the fire had spread to roughly 1,500 acres. On 
November 9, 2023, the State of Virginia declared a state of emergency. 
Finally, on November 17, 2023, the Quaker Run fire was declared 100 
percent contained with about 3,397 acres of private, state, and federal 
lands affected by the fire. The efforts made by volunteers and first 
responders from Madison County and across the Commonwealth were crucial 
to preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of residents.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking and 
celebrating the courageous men and women who came together--from 
volunteers to first responders--to help their neighbors and provide 
support to one another as they fought to contain the Quaker Run fire. 
Their unwavering commitment to helping their community during this time 
of need is a source of inspiration and I am honored to represent them 
in Congress.

                          ____________________