[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11800]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING AND HONORING FIREFIGHTERS, POLICE, PUBLIC SERVANTS, 
CIVILIANS, AND PRIVATE BUSINESSES WHO RESPONDED TO DEVASTATING FIRE IN 
                 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, ON MARCH 26, 2004

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. ROBERT C. SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 1, 2004

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. I rise today in support of H. Res. 612, 
introduced by my colleague from Virginia, Mr. Cantor.
  On March 26, 2004, there were a series of devastating fires in 
Richmond, Virginia. The first fire began shortly after 12:30, and 
spread quickly. Wind gusting to nearly 20 mph blew burning debris onto 
other buildings.
  The fires resulted in the destruction of numerous buildings and 
property, and spread through city blocks and a section of the Virginia 
Commonwealth University campus. A total of 29 buildings suffered 
damage, with 19 being condemned by either water or structural damage. 
Yet, the destruction and damage could certainly have been worse. It was 
only through the combined efforts of the firefighters who responded to 
the scene that the fire was contained as quickly as it was. Local 
firefighters who initially answered the call were later assisted by 
firefighters from fire stations throughout the region. There were about 
200 firefighters on the scene, along with 50 pieces of equipment. 
Together, they worked to defeat the blaze--and fought the challenging 
wind, smoke and heat conditions in order to save the remaining area. We 
thank them today for their heroic efforts to contain the damage and to 
protect human lives.
  It is appropriate for us to also recognize the efforts of the police 
on March 26th. As always, they were instrumental in keeping our 
citizens safe. For example, they evacuated several buildings and about 
50 nearby homes, going door to door.
  And last, today, we recognize the countless private citizens, 
volunteers and organizations that--along with the firefighters, police, 
and public servants--worked as a seamless team preserving and 
protecting human lives, defending property, and providing food and 
comfort to all affected.
  All of these individuals deserve our recognition, and our gratitude. 
They met their community's call to duty by providing brave and 
steadfast assistance and upholding the finest traditions of the 
Commonwealth of Virginia. We, and all Americans, thank you for your 
supreme efforts.

                          ____________________