[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 41 (Monday, October 14, 2002)]
[Pages 1699-1700]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7602--Fire Prevention Week

 October 4, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Every year, fires needlessly take lives and destroy homes, natural 
habitats, and livelihoods. This year, as we observe Fire Prevention 
Week, I ask all citizens to take responsible steps to prevent fires at 
home and outdoors and to ensure that safety and emergency plans are in 
place and in practice.
    Approximately 3,500 Americans die each year in home fires; and 85 
percent of all annual fire fatalities occur in residences. To prevent 
this tragic loss of life, the National Fire Protection Association, in 
partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United 
States Fire Administration, and America's 26,354 fire departments, is 
sponsoring the 2002 Fire Prevention Week campaign, ``Team Up for Fire 
Safety.'' I encourage all Americans to heed the recommendations of fire 
safety experts by ensuring that every home is equipped with the 
appropriate number of properly installed and maintained smoke alarms and 
that every family has fire safety and escape plans. These measures will 
help to prevent fires and protect our families, our communities, and our 
firefighters.
    America has faced a devastating wildfire season this year, and much 
wildlife habitat has been destroyed by fires in our overgrown forests. 
To reduce the threat of these catastrophic wildfires and to restore the 
health of America's forests, we must continue to develop improved forest 
management plans. My Healthy Forests Initiative aims to ensure our 
environment's health by thinning dangerous overgrowth. Firefighters and 
forest experts agree that we could strengthen the health of our forests 
by targeted thinning of dense forests and quickly restoring fire-damaged 
areas to prevent erosion. Through these improved forest policies, we can 
protect our citizens, prevent catastrophic fires, preserve healthy 
forests, and sustain wildlife habitat.
    During Fire Prevention Week, our Nation also gives thanks for the 
invaluable service rendered by our firefighters, who risk their lives to 
preserve and protect our communities. These courageous public servants 
have inspired us with their dedication and professionalism. On September 
11, 2001, we saw that our brave firefighters are among America's 
greatest heroes. As we remember the sacrifice of so many firefighters 
that day, let us draw great strength from their example of selfless 
service to others. These firefighters embodied the best of the American 
spirit.
     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 6 through 
October 12, 2002, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October 6, 2002, 
pursuant to Public Law 107-51, flags will be flown at half-staff on all 
Federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters 
Memorial Service. I invite the people of the United States to 
participate in this observance by flying our Nation's flag over their 
homes at half-staff on this day, to mark this week with appropriate 
programs and activities, and to renew efforts throughout the year to 
prevent fires and their tragic consequences.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 8, 
2002]

[[Page 1700]]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on October 5, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
October 9.