[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 196 (Thursday, October 12, 2023)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 70565-70566]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-22663]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 196 / Thursday, October 12, 2023 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 70565]]

                Proclamation 10645 of October 6, 2023

                
Fire Prevention Week, 2023

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                During Fire Prevention Week, my Administration 
                reaffirms our commitment to preventing fires before 
                they happen and mitigating the damage when devastation 
                strikes. We also honor our brave firefighters and first 
                responders, who put their lives at risk to save others 
                and help their communities rebuild from the rubble.

                This year, we have already seen tens of thousands of 
                wildfires burn over two million acres to the ground. 
                And climate change will only intensify the threats that 
                wildfires pose. Further, over one thousand Americans 
                and dozens of firefighters have died in fires this 
                year. Whether they are fires that start at home, in 
                parks or neighborhoods, or in forests and the great 
                outdoors, the devastation these fires cause mean far 
                more than numbers can capture--they reflect lives lost; 
                families heartbroken; natural resources wiped out; and 
                homes, businesses, community centers, and so much more 
                destroyed.

                That is why my Investing in America Agenda includes the 
                most significant climate investment in history. As part 
                of that agenda, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is 
                investing billions of dollars for enhanced drought 
                resilience, early wildfire detection, and post-wildfire 
                restoration and rehabilitation. And with historic 
                funding for green manufacturing, clean energy 
                development, and climate-smart agriculture, the 
                Inflation Reduction Act is putting us on a path to cut 
                America's carbon emissions by at least half by 2030.

                My Administration is doing everything we can to make 
                sure firefighters have the resources they need to do 
                their jobs as safely, effectively, and efficiently as 
                possible. I am proud to have increased the Federal 
                firefighter minimum wage to $15 an hour--a critical 
                first step in giving these heroes the pay, respect, and 
                dignity they deserve. We have also created new programs 
                to improve recruitment, retention, and professional 
                opportunities for Federal firefighters. In addition, we 
                have increased Federal funding for local fire 
                departments to hire more firefighters and expanded 
                Federal grant programs to pay for hundreds of emergency 
                response vehicles and thousands of sets of turnout 
                gear.

                In times of tragedy, we so often find the most profound 
                stories of hope and heroism. Across the country, the 
                First Lady and I have been amazed by the courage and 
                strength of those we have seen reestablishing their 
                lives in the aftermath of devastating fires--neighbors 
                helping neighbors, communities coming together, and 
                people from all walks of life working with one another 
                to rebuild what has been lost, making our Nation more 
                resilient. We remain focused on the recovery and 
                rebuilding efforts in Maui, where the First Lady and I 
                visited in August to demonstrate our support for the 
                community. To the people of Maui, who have shown such 
                courage--this Nation stands with you.

                This week, we also encourage Americans to take the time 
                to educate themselves on fire prevention and safety. 
                This year's Fire Prevention Week theme--``Cooking 
                safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire 
                prevention''--emphasizes the simple actions we can all 
                take to remain safe while preparing food. That 
                includes: being alert while cooking and turning the 
                stove off

[[Page 70566]]

                if leaving the kitchen is necessary; keeping anything 
                that can catch fire away from stovetops; turning pot 
                handles toward the back of the stove; and keeping a lid 
                nearby.

                This Fire Prevention Week, let us honor those we have 
                lost in these catastrophes, remain vigilant to prevent 
                future fires from occurring, vow to support those who 
                rush into danger to help us in times of need, and 
                recommit to spreading awareness about the importance of 
                fire safety.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of 
                the United States of America, by virtue of the 
                authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws 
                of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 8 
                through October 14, 2023, as Fire Prevention Week. I 
                call on all Americans to participate in this observance 
                with appropriate programs and activities and by 
                renewing their efforts to prevent fires and their 
                tragic consequences.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                eighth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2023-22663
Filed 10-11-23; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F4-P