Bill Summary
The legislation designates May 2025 as "National Wildfire Preparedness Month" in response to the increasing severity and frequency of wildfires across the United States. It recognizes the growing threat of wildfires, with statistics showing a significant rise in both the number of wildfires and the acreage burned in recent years. The resolution emphasizes the need for proactive measures to enhance community resilience against wildfires, including better construction practices, community planning, evacuation strategies, and vegetation management.
The resolution aims to raise awareness about wildfire risks and promote educational initiatives to help communities prepare for and mitigate the impacts of wildfires. It encourages collaboration among federal, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as non-governmental organizations, to implement resources and practices that can reduce wildfire hazards and protect public health. Overall, the designation of May 2025 as Wildfire Preparedness Month serves to highlight the importance of preparedness and prevention in the face of increasing wildfire threats.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the designation of May 2025 as "National Wildfire Preparedness Month" could affect people:
1. **Increased Public Awareness and Education**: The designation will likely lead to enhanced public awareness campaigns focused on wildfire risks and safety measures. This could result in more individuals and families learning about fire-resistant construction methods, proper yard maintenance, and community planning to reduce wildfire risks. As people become better informed, they may take proactive steps to protect their homes and families, potentially reducing the number of wildfires and minimizing damage when they do occur.
2. **Community Engagement and Preparedness Initiatives**: During National Wildfire Preparedness Month, local governments and organizations may organize community events, workshops, and training sessions aimed at improving wildfire preparedness. This could engage residents in planning evacuation routes, conducting fire drills, and developing community response plans. Increased community involvement can foster a sense of collective responsibility and enhance overall resilience to wildfire threats, ultimately protecting lives and property.
3. **Resource Allocation and Support for Vulnerable Populations**: The resolution encourages support for resources and educational initiatives that help at-risk communities, including those in Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native populations, prepare for wildfires. This could lead to targeted programs that address specific needs, such as evacuation plans for people with disabilities or resources for low-income households to improve home hardening. By focusing on vulnerable populations, the month may help ensure that all community members are equipped to respond effectively to wildfire threats.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 247 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 247
Designating May 2025 as ``National Wildfire Preparedness Month''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 22, 2025
Ms. Hirono (for herself and Mr. Barrasso) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
June 16, 2025
Committee discharged; considered and agreed to
_______________________________________________________________________
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 Senate--
(1) designates the month of May 2025 as ``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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