[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 28474]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING FIRST RESPONDERS BATTLING WILDFIRES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHARLES W. DENT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 25, 2007

  Mr. DENT. Madam Speaker, I rise to commend the courageous efforts of 
numerous first responders currently battling wildfires in Southern 
California. Today, these dangerous fires stretch over more than 400,000 
acres and have forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of local 
residents from their homes.
   As we've seen on national television, the tragedy unfolding in 
Southern California is of epic proportions; yet the many first 
responders charged with saving life and limb have performed 
magnificently since the initial flames. Taking on these blazes from all 
angles, firefighters are ensuring the safety of Californians while 
fighting to protect their property and homes. The courage of these 
first responders is truly exemplary.
   As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee's Emergency 
Communications, Preparedness and Response Subcommittee, I am pleased to 
see that these brave firefighters, police officers, and paramedics are 
being aided in their efforts by FEMA, the National Guard, and other 
elements of the Department of Defense.
   Exacerbated by drought conditions and the fierce Santa Ana winds, 
these fires are some of the most menacing in American history. Like 
every American, I am thankful for the selfless efforts of all first 
responders, who perform so bravely in harrowing circumstances, 
especially those currently battling the wildfires in Southern 
California.

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