Thomas Foley: “I wanted to take a moment to share with Americans all over that for the past month and a half, as many people are aware…”

“I wanted to take a moment to share with Americans all over that for the past month and a half, as many people are aware, Florida has been besieged by wildfires, which have consumed almost half a million acres. The fires have badly strained the resources of local and State fire officials, who have had to respond to more than 2,200 individual fires throughout the State. Given the widespread devastation, which includes the destruction or damage of more than 400 homes and businesses, firefighters from towns throughout Florida have had to travel to wherever they are needed. But even with this kind of statewide teamwork, the magnitude of the disaster has required help from beyond our borders, and the response across America has been overwhelming: 5,100 firefighters, from almost every State in the Union, as well as Puerto Rico, have uprooted themselves, leaving their families behind, to help Florida in its time of need. On behalf of all Florida residents and the congressional delegation, I want to give my heartfelt thanks to each and every firefighter, to their family throughout the Nation, who have risked their lives to put an end to the devastation which has so profoundly affected my State.”