Bill Summary
The resolution designates May 2025 as "National Wildfire Preparedness Month" in response to the increasing threat and severity of wildfires across the United States. It highlights alarming statistics regarding the frequency and impact of wildfires, noting that wildfires have become more prevalent even in areas with little historical risk. The resolution emphasizes the need for proactive planning and mitigation strategies to reduce wildfire risks and associated costs, which exceed billions of dollars annually.
Key points include the human causes of nearly 85% of wildland fires and the health risks faced by firefighters and communities due to smoke exposure. The resolution advocates for various preventative measures, such as using fire-resistant materials, improving community planning, and enhancing evacuation protocols. By establishing this month, the resolution aims to raise awareness, promote educational initiatives, and encourage community preparedness against wildfires, ultimately enhancing resilience and safety for at-risk populations.
Possible Impacts
The designation of May 2025 as "National Wildfire Preparedness Month" could affect people in several ways:
1. **Increased Awareness and Education**: The resolution emphasizes the need for heightened awareness regarding wildfire threats and preparedness. This could lead to educational campaigns that inform individuals and communities about effective fire mitigation practices. As a result, residents in high-risk areas may learn about the importance of fire-resistant construction materials, proper yard maintenance, and evacuation planning, potentially reducing their risk during wildfire events.
2. **Community Engagement and Resources**: With support for community programming and initiatives, local governments and organizations may mobilize to develop resources aimed at wildfire preparedness. This could involve community workshops, fire drills, and the establishment of early warning systems. Enhanced community preparedness efforts can foster collaboration, helping residents to collectively plan for evacuations and other safety measures, which can ultimately save lives and property.
3. **Health and Safety Implications**: The resolution acknowledges the public health risks associated with wildfire smoke, including respiratory issues and cardiovascular problems. By promoting awareness of these health risks and the importance of smoke management, individuals may be better equipped to protect themselves and their families during wildfire events. This could prompt more people to take actions such as creating smoke shelters, using air purifiers, and monitoring air quality, thereby improving overall community health outcomes during fire seasons.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 467 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 467
Designating May 2025 as ``National Wildfire Preparedness Month''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 3, 2025
Mrs. Torres of California (for herself, Mr. Valadao, Mr. LaMalfa, and
Mr. Obernolte) submitted the following resolution; which was referred
to the Committee on Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Designating May 2025 as ``National Wildfire Preparedness Month''.
Whereas wildfires across the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and the
United States territories have increased in scale, complexity, and
severity, fire seasons have lengthened in many parts of the United
States to encompass the entire year, and wildfire has become a threat in
regions of the United States that have little or no history of wildfire;
Whereas, in the United States from 2015 to 2024, an average of 62,435 wildfires
burned, consuming on average a total of 7,553,704 acres, which is
705,612 acres above the previous 10-year average;
Whereas, in the United States from January 1 to May 2, 2025, 22,759 wildfires
burned 988,319 acres, which is above both the 10-year average occurrence
of 15,639 wildfires and the average 10-year burned area of 951,468
acres;
Whereas, from May 2025 to August 2025, over 60 percent of States in the United
States are predicted to be at risk for significant wildfire events, and
over 50 percent of States are expected to face above-normal risks for
significant wildfire events;
Whereas nearly 85 percent of wildland fires in the United States are caused by
humans;
Whereas Federal wildfire suppression efforts cost over $2,500,000,000 per year,
and the total cost of wildfire damage across the United States is
estimated to be tens to hundreds of billions of dollars per year;
Whereas significant investments in proactive planning, mitigation, and risk
reduction are necessary for the United States to counteract increasingly
severe wildfire risk, damage, and loss;
Whereas firefighters are on the front lines and are at an increased risk of
developing cancer and respiratory diseases because they are exposed to
smoke and hazardous chemicals in the line of duty;
Whereas the effects of long-term exposure to wildfire smoke will harm more
people, as particulate pollution triggers asthma attacks, heart attacks,
and strokes, and can kill;
Whereas preventative measures exist to help individuals and communities increase
their fire resilience through--
(1) reducing the risk of home ignition by using fire-resistant
construction materials and maintaining yard vegetation;
(2) community planning that reduces home wildfire exposure and
increases access for firefighters;
(3) evacuation planning and assistance for people and their animals;
(4) vegetation and forest management; and
(5) limited use of combustibles during high heat or drier seasons,
including fireworks, exhaust, and open flames; and
Whereas a nationally designated Wildfire Preparedness Month--
(1) increases awareness of the threat of wildfires and knowledge of
lifesaving and fire mitigation practices; and
(2) promotes educational initiatives, encourages community programming,
and increases overall knowledge and preparedness: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) expresses support for the designation of ``National
Wildfire Preparedness Month'';
(2) encourages increased awareness of, and preparedness
for, the threat of wildfires and subsequent suppression efforts
at the Federal, State, local, and Tribal levels of government,
including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities, and by
nongovernmental organizations and communities; and
(3) supports resources and educational initiatives that
communicate how communities at risk of exposure to wildfire
hazards can take preventative measures, including, home
hardening, land management practices that reduce or remove
highly flammable grasses and shrubs, instituting or enhancing
early warning systems, reducing unplanned human ignitions,
reducing adverse health impacts from smoke and fire exposure,
and safely and efficiently evacuating people and their animals.
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