A resolution commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire in Arizona.

Bill: 117-sres-667
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
Introduced: 2022-06-08
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Arizona

Commemorative events and holidays

Fires

First responders and emergency personnel

Forests, forestry, trees

Indian lands and resources rights
Latest action: action_date: 2022-06-08
text: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2873; text: CR S2868-2869)

Summaries:
action_date: 2022-06-08
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p>This resolution commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire in Arizona. </p> <p>The resolution commends the courage of local residents affected by the fire. </p> <p>The resolution also extends condolences to individuals who lost homes, businesses, and property. </p> <p>Finally, the resolution honors the life-saving bravery and sacrifices of the firefighters and first responders assigned to the fire. </p>

action_date: 2022-06-08
action_desc: Passed Senate
text: <p>This resolution commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire in Arizona. </p> <p>The resolution commends the courage of local residents affected by the fire. </p> <p>The resolution also extends condolences to individuals who lost homes, businesses, and property. </p> <p>Finally, the resolution honors the life-saving bravery and sacrifices of the firefighters and first responders assigned to the fire. </p>

tv_txt: III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 667 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

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.