Title: A resolution commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire in Arizona.
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources

Summary:
This resolution commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire in Arizona.
The resolution commends the courage of local residents affected by the fire.
The resolution also extends condolences to individuals who lost homes, businesses, and property.
Finally, the resolution honors the life-saving bravery and sacrifices of the firefighters and first responders assigned to the fire.

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 667 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

<DOC>






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 Hon-Dah;
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;
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 Apache-Sitgreaves 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
Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire burned for 5 weeks until the fire was declared 
        contained on July 7, 2002: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski 
        Fire;
            (2) commends the courage of local residents affected by the 
        Rodeo-Chediski Fire;
            (3) extends condolences to individuals who lost homes, 
        businesses, and property; and
            (4) honors the life-saving bravery and sacrifices of the 
        firefighters and first responders assigned to the Rodeo-
        Chediski Fire.
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