III 

117TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION S. RES. 667 

Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire in Arizona. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

JUNE 8 (legislative day, JUNE 7), 2022 

Mr. KELLY (for himself and Ms. SINEMA) submitted the following resolution; 

which was considered and agreed to 

RESOLUTION 

Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski 

Fire in Arizona. 

Whereas June 18, 2022, is the 20th anniversary of the 

Rodeo-Chediski Fire; 

Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire forced the evacuation of 

more than 30,000 people in Arizona, including in the 

City of Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Navajo County, and 

the White Mountain Apache Tribe communities of HonDah; 

Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire burned 468,638 acres (742 

square miles), making it second largest wildfire recorded 

in the State of Arizona; 

Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire damaged and destroyed 

491 structures, including homes and businesses; 


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•SRES 667 ATS 

Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire started as 2 wildfires that 

later merged into the first megafire in Arizona history; 

Whereas, on June 18, 2002, the human-caused Rodeo Fire 

ignited near the Rodeo Fairgrounds near the community 

of Cibecue, located on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation (commonly known as the ‘‘White Mountain Apache 

Reservation’’); 

Whereas Rodeo Fire burned at a rate of 2,000 acres per hour 

for the first 30 hours with flame lengths up to 1,000 feet 

and ground temperatures above 2,000 degrees; 

Whereas fire-fighting aviation support was grounded during 

the Rodeo Fire due to high, erratic winds, requiring a 

total airspace closure for the third time in the history of 

wildland firefighting in the United States; 

Whereas, on June 20, 2002, the human-caused Chediski Fire 

was reported near Chediski Peak in the ApacheSitgreaves National Forests about 20 miles northwest of 

the Rodeo Fire; 

Whereas, on June 20, 2002, Arizona Governor Jane Dee 

Hull declared a state of emergency and authorized mobilization of the Arizona National Guard to support firefighters; 

Whereas, on June 23, 2002, the 2 fires burned together and 

were redesignated as the Rodeo-Chediski Fire; 

Whereas, on June 25, 2002, President George W. Bush arrived at Springerville Municipal Airport, Springerville, 

Arizona, and signed a declaration that designated the 

Rodeo-Chediski Fire a national disaster; 

Whereas more than 4,500 firefighters and support personnel, 

30 helicopters, 251 engines, 92 water tankers, and 90 

bulldozers were assigned to the Rodeo-Chediski Fire; and 


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•SRES 667 ATS 

Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire burned for 5 weeks until 

the fire was declared contained on July 7, 2002: Now, 

therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) commemorates the 20th anniversary of the 

3 Rodeo-Chediski Fire; 

4 (2) commends the courage of local residents af5 fected by the Rodeo-Chediski Fire; 

6 (3) extends condolences to individuals who lost 

7 homes, businesses, and property; and 

8 (4) honors the life-saving bravery and sacrifices 

9 of the firefighters and first responders assigned to 

10 the Rodeo-Chediski Fire. 

Æ 


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