Richard Pombo: “Mr. Speaker, citizens in the West are bracing this year in fear of catastrophic fires. The summer is not even over, and…”

“Mr. Speaker, citizens in the West are bracing this year in fear of catastrophic fires. The summer is not even over, and we have seen 3.6 million acres burn on State, Federal, and private lands. These catastrophic fires are so intense the fire literally destroys every sign of life and can rage for thousands of acres. But this is not a new phenomenon or a 1-year event. During the wildfire season, 81,681 fires burned 3.5 million acres that killed 15 firefighters and threatened rural communities nationwide. Congress must take action. Our current Federal strategy to handle catastrophic wildfire is not adequately addressing a looming crisis. The Federal Government must take action to prevent loss of wildlife habitat and to protect rural communities. This is why I am here today offering H. Con. Res. 352 before the House of Representatives. This wildfire resolution expresses the sense of the U.S. Congress to fully implement the Western Governors Association collaborative 10-year strategy for reducing wild land fire risk to communities and the environment and to prepare a national prescribed fire strategy to minimize risk of escape. America needs to know Congress understands the forest health crisis is causing these fires and that Congress is taking action.”