This House resolution supports recognizing May 3 through May 9, 2026, as Wildfire Preparedness Week. It says the week should educate the public about fire safety and preparedness. The text notes that wildfire smoke can trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks, and strokes and can kill. It says firefighters face higher risks of cancer and respiratory disease from smoke and hazardous chemicals. The resolution lists wildfire statistics: in 2025 there were 77,850 wildfires in the United States that burned 5,131,474 acres, including 8,232 fires in California that burned 507,817 acres. It also reports that nearly 85 percent of wildland fires in the United States are caused by humans and gives a 2026 year-to-date count of 24,066 wildfires burning 1,848,210 acres. The resolution supports preventative measures like evacuation planning (including for animals), vegetation and forest management, and limiting use of combustibles during hot, dry seasons. It also supports resources and educational initiatives, early warning systems, reducing unplanned human ignitions, safe evacuation guidance, and encourages helping communities during and after catastrophic fires. The resolution was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
The resolution expresses the House's support for a national Wildfire Preparedness Week and encourages awareness, education, and community programming about wildfires. It highlights actions communities and individuals can take, such as making evacuation plans, managing vegetation, and avoiding explosives or open flames during high-risk times. The text does not specify new laws or detailed programs; it mainly urges education and preparedness efforts.
No publicly available information.
Sponsors say the week will increase awareness of wildfire threats and teach lifesaving tactics. They support educational initiatives, community programming, and resources that explain prevention (like reducing human ignitions), early warning systems, and safe evacuation of people and animals. They also emphasize health risks from smoke and risks firefighters face, and they commit to helping communities financially during and after major fires.
No publicly available information.