[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 67 (Thursday, April 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOUTH LAKE FIRE PROTECTION 
                                DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
100th anniversary of the South Lake Fire Protection District of Lake 
County, and to recognize this organization's unwavering dedication to 
protecting and serving its community. Over the past century, the South 
Lake Fire Protection District has been a model for public service and 
emergency response management.
  The South Lake Fire Protection District was founded in 1925, 
following a devastating fire in our area in 1918. In the years since, 
the District has expanded the land under its protection and now serves 
a diverse area encompassing over 290 square miles in Lake County. 
Around 12,000 people are served by the District, including residents of 
the unincorporated territories of Loch Lomond, Adam Springs, Hobergs, 
Cobb, Whispering Pines, Anderson Springs, Middletown, Middletown 
Rancheria, Hidden Valley Lake, Hidden Valley Ranchos, Noble Ranch and 
the ancestral lands of the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians. The 
South Lake Fire Protection District has increased the resilience of 
these smaller areas by creating a strong community of mutual aid that 
allows first responders to cross boundaries to provide assistance. 
Every year, the District plays a key role in responding to fires across 
Lake County and the state of California.
  In 2015, the South Lake Fire Protection District faced one of its 
most significant fires to date, the Valley Fire. This fire burned 
76,000 acres and destroyed over 1,995 structures, making it the third 
most destructive fire in state history. Four firefighters were 
critically injured fighting this blaze, and tragically, four lives were 
lost. The District was on the front lines of this fast-moving fire, 
fighting to protect people and structures. During this time, the 
firefighters of the South Lake Fire Protection District embodied their 
organization's mission statement to minimize injuries, fatalities, and 
property losses through efficient and effective fire suppression and 
prevention. The firefighters of the District displayed extraordinary 
courage and unwavering resolve during the Valley Fire, and we recognize 
and thank them for their essential efforts to contain this fire.
  Mr. Speaker, it is both fitting and proper that we recognize the 
100th anniversary of the South Lake Fire Protection District today. 
Over the past century, the first responders of this organization have 
exemplified the ideals of public service, putting their lives on the 
line to protect their communities from emergencies. Their courage and 
dedication serve as a model for us all, and we honor them here today.

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