US Senate passes resolution marking ‘National Wildfire Preparedness Month’

The US Senate unanimously passed a resolution Monday — introduced by US Sens. Mazie Hirono of Hawaiʻi and John Barrasso of Wyoming to designate May as “National Wildfire Preparedness Month.” The resolution aims to increase public awareness and preparedness in response to the increasing scale, complexity, and severity of wildfires across the country.

In August 2023, wildfire leveled most of historic Lahaina town, destroyed 20 structures Upcountry and killed at least 102 people. Over this past weekend, a wildfire burned 330 acres in Kahikinui and triggered evacuations for area residents.

The Senate resolution comes as recovery efforts continue on Maui and in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires that burned almost 40,000 acres in the Palisades and Eaton areas, destroying thousands of homes.

A companion resolution in the US House of Representatives was introduced by Reps. Norma Torres, David Valadao and Jay Obernolte, all of California.

“As we enter wildfire season and these natural disasters increase in frequency and severity across the country, it is critical that our communities remain vigilant and proactive in reducing the risk of them occurring,” Hirono said. “I am proud this resolution passed the Senate and will continue working to increase fire resilience, protect first responders, and bolster efforts to safeguard our communities from natural disasters.”

From Jan. 1 to May 2, more than 22,000 wildfires burned more than 988,000 acres, which is above the 10-year average occurrence of wildfires and average 10-year burned area. As wildfires become growing threats in regions of the United States that have little to no history of wildfires and, in many parts of the country, fire seasons are lengthening to encompass the entire year, this resolution emphasizes the need for investment in planning, mitigation, and risk reduction efforts to counteract wildfire risk, damage, and loss.

The resolution also supports expanding resources and educational initiatives that communicate how at-risk communities can take preventative measures to limit wildfire hazards.

This resolution is endorsed by the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization, the National Wildfire Suppression Association and the National Fire Protection Association.