[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 19 (Monday, May 15, 2006)]
[Page 901]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Visit to a Fire Station in Sun City Center

May 9, 2006

    The President. Jeb and I just were briefed by the firefighters here 
about the dry conditions that are creating hazards for the people--and 
Kelley, I appreciate your briefing. He was in charge of putting out that 
fire yesterday that consumed 450 acres. They think it was caused by a 
spark out of one of the utility lines.
    I've always been impressed by those who are willing to get out and 
fight the fires and save lives and save property. I'm surrounded by 
people who made a career out of that. And I want to thank them for their 
dedication to service. I want to thank them for the briefing about the 
threat we find ourselves in; we've got dry and windy conditions.
    The good news for the people of Florida is, they've got people who 
are willing to serve and willing to put their lives at risk and willing 
to fight fires. There's one going on right now, as we speak. Kelley was 
briefing us on the equipment and manpower that's in place fighting the 
fire. This is one of these difficult periods for the State of Florida, 
dealing with the traumatic conditions as they are.
    Obviously, the people need to be real careful--be careful about 
starting a fire, be careful about throwing used cigarettes out, and be 
mindful these are dangerous conditions. And they ought to be thoughtful 
about how to conduct their lives so they don't put others in the 
positions where a fire could destroy them or their property.
    Do you want to say something, Jeb?
    Governor Jeb Bush. Well, other than the fact, as the President said, 
it's actually right that if someone throws a cigarette out on the 
Interstate, it could create--first of all, it's a loss of life and 
property and puts a lot of people at risk. And it's a felony in our 
State. So we want to make sure that no fires are started because of 
human error or negligence or malfeasance.
    The President. Anyway, I want to thank you all for joining me.

Note: The President spoke at 1:59 p.m. at Sun City Center Fire Station 
No. 28. In his remarks, he referred to Vincent Kelley, captain, 
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. A tape was not available for 
verification of the content of these remarks.