[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26688]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE BRAVE FIREFIGHTERS OF CALIFORNIA AND THE 3RD CONGRESSIONAL 
                                DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DOUG OSE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 2003

  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep sympathy to the 
victims of the fires that have been plaguing southern California this 
past week and even now continue to rage. I would also like to recognize 
the emergency assistance that has been mobilized to help the counties 
of Ventura, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Bernardino. The scope of 
the devastation this disaster has delivered is vast. It has viciously 
taken at least 14 lives, destroyed over 1,500 homes, and burned over 
500,000 acres of land. In addition, over 50,000 people have been 
evacuated from their homes.
  I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the men 
and women from my district who, where capable, have dedicated their 
time to helping combat the fires in southern California. Calaveras 
County has donated 5 fire engines along with 15 fire fighters. Amador 
County has donated an entire team consisting of 2 engines and nine 
people, including one fire chief. In addition, Solano and Sacramento 
Counties have each dedicated significant resources to assist in the 
firefighting effort, including over three fire strike teams and two 
trucks. These mobilizations are fighting to alleviate the impact of 
this disaster even as I speak. It is my sincere hope that these brave 
men and women will be able to safely and swiftly contain these fires. 
My thoughts and prayers are with them.

                          ____________________