Presidential Documents

47943 

Federal Register 

Vol. 82, No. 197 

Friday, October 13, 2017 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 9653 of October 6, 2017 

Fire Prevention Week, 2017 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

During Fire Prevention Week, we recognize the dangers posed by fires and 

emphasize the importance of fire prevention and preparation. We also honor 

our Nation’s brave firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of 

duty and their families, and those firefighters who continue to put their 

lives on the line each day. 

Each year, an average 1.4 million fires burn in the United States. In 2015, 

fires caused approximately 3,360 deaths and 15,700 injuries. This year, 

the American West has especially suffered, as wildfires have raged from 

California to Oregon and Montana. These fires have already consumed more 

than 8 million acres and destroyed more than 650 homes and other structures. 

All of this destruction can be sparked by a single careless act. We must 

remain vigilant whenever we are around fire. By taking the appropriate 

precautions, we can prevent fires, save lives, and protect property and 

the environment. In particular, we should always mind dishes on the 

stovetop, carefully contain and completely extinguish campfires, take care 

to handle fireworks away from flammable materials, and ensure that cigarettes 

are handled appropriately and discarded after use. 

When a fire breaks out, every second counts. A working smoke alarm can 

buy the few extra moments necessary to save a life. A well-conceived and 

regularly practiced plan can help ensure a safe and orderly fire escape 

for families. All Americans should create a fire escape plan and practice 

it yearly with their families. We must make sure to teach our children 

how to escape on their own and make special plans for family members 

with limited mobility. The National Fire Protection Association’s Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out campaign can help your family prepare 

for home fires. 

As we observe Fire Prevention Week, we pray for the Federal, State, local, 

and tribal responders battling the wildfires in the West and around the 

country and for all those who have lost their homes to fires. We recommit 

ourselves to preventing fire-related disasters by, among other things, staying 

current with the latest fire-prevention techniques and raising awareness 

about fire-safety practices. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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, 2017, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October 8, 2017, 

in accordance with Public Law 107–51, the flag of the United States will 

be flown at half-staff at all Federal office buildings in honor of the National 

Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. 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. 


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47944 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 197 / Friday, October 13, 2017 / Presidential Documents 

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

October, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second. 

[FR Doc. 2017–22417 

Filed 10–12–17; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F8–P 


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