Presidential Documents

70565 

Federal Register 

Vol. 88, No. 196 

Thursday, October 12, 2023 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 10645 of October 6, 2023 

Fire Prevention Week, 2023 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

During Fire Prevention Week, my Administration reaffirms our commitment 

to preventing fires before they happen and mitigating the damage when 

devastation strikes. We also honor our brave firefighters and first responders, 

who put their lives at risk to save others and help their communities 

rebuild from the rubble. 

This year, we have already seen tens of thousands of wildfires burn over 

two million acres to the ground. And climate change will only intensify 

the threats that wildfires pose. Further, over one thousand Americans and 

dozens of firefighters have died in fires this year. Whether they are fires 

that start at home, in parks or neighborhoods, or in forests and the great 

outdoors, the devastation these fires cause mean far more than numbers 

can capture—they reflect lives lost; families heartbroken; natural resources 

wiped out; and homes, businesses, community centers, and so much more 

destroyed. 

That is why my Investing in America Agenda includes the most significant 

climate investment in history. As part of that agenda, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is investing billions of dollars for enhanced drought resilience, 

early wildfire detection, and post-wildfire restoration and rehabilitation. And 

with historic funding for green manufacturing, clean energy development, 

and climate-smart agriculture, the Inflation Reduction Act is putting us 

on a path to cut America’s carbon emissions by at least half by 2030. 

My Administration is doing everything we can to make sure firefighters 

have the resources they need to do their jobs as safely, effectively, and 

efficiently as possible. I am proud to have increased the Federal firefighter 

minimum wage to $15 an hour—a critical first step in giving these heroes 

the pay, respect, and dignity they deserve. We have also created new programs to improve recruitment, retention, and professional opportunities for 

Federal firefighters. In addition, we have increased Federal funding for local 

fire departments to hire more firefighters and expanded Federal grant programs to pay for hundreds of emergency response vehicles and thousands 

of sets of turnout gear. 

In times of tragedy, we so often find the most profound stories of hope 

and heroism. Across the country, the First Lady and I have been amazed 

by the courage and strength of those we have seen reestablishing their 

lives in the aftermath of devastating fires—neighbors helping neighbors, 

communities coming together, and people from all walks of life working 

with one another to rebuild what has been lost, making our Nation more 

resilient. We remain focused on the recovery and rebuilding efforts in Maui, 

where the First Lady and I visited in August to demonstrate our support 

for the community. To the people of Maui, who have shown such courage— 

this Nation stands with you. 

This week, we also encourage Americans to take the time to educate themselves on fire prevention and safety. This year’s Fire Prevention Week 

theme—‘‘Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention’’— 

emphasizes the simple actions we can all take to remain safe while preparing 

food. That includes: being alert while cooking and turning the stove off 


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70566 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 196 / Thursday, October 12, 2023 / Presidential Documents 

if leaving the kitchen is necessary; keeping anything that can catch fire 

away from stovetops; turning pot handles toward the back of the stove; 

and keeping a lid nearby. 

This Fire Prevention Week, let us honor those we have lost in these catastrophes, remain vigilant to prevent future fires from occurring, vow to support 

those who rush into danger to help us in times of need, and recommit 

to spreading awareness about the importance of fire safety. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States 

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 

and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 8 through 

October 14, 2023, as Fire Prevention Week. I call on all Americans to 

participate in this observance with appropriate programs and activities and 

by renewing their efforts to prevent fires and their tragic consequences. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of 

October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortyeighth. 

[FR Doc. 2023–22663 

Filed 10–11–23; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3395–F4–P 


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