Summary of SRES 247: National Wildfire Preparedness Month

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SRES 247

Title: A resolution designating May 2025 as "National Wildfire Preparedness Month"

Status: Discharged by Unanimous Consent from the Senate Committee on the Judiciary

Introduced: May 22, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SRES 247 is to designate May 2025 as "National Wildfire Preparedness Month." This resolution aims to raise awareness about the increasing threat of wildfires and to promote preparedness measures across various levels of government and communities.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes the following key provisions:

1. Designation of National Wildfire Preparedness Month:

   • Officially recognizes May 2025 as a month dedicated to wildfire preparedness.

2. Encouragement of Awareness and Preparedness:

   • Calls for heightened awareness and readiness for wildfires at Federal, State, local, and Tribal levels, including specific mention of Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities.

3. Support for Resources and Educational Initiatives:

   • Advocates for the development and dissemination of resources that inform communities at risk of wildfires about preventative measures. These measures include:
     • Home Hardening: Techniques to make homes more resistant to fire.
     • Land Management Practices: Strategies to reduce or eliminate highly flammable vegetation.
     • Early Warning Systems: Implementation or enhancement of systems to alert communities about impending wildfires.
     • Reduction of Human Ignitions: Efforts to minimize accidental fire starts.
     • Health Impact Mitigation: Strategies to reduce adverse health effects from smoke and fire exposure.
     • Safe Evacuation Plans: Guidelines for the efficient evacuation of people and animals during wildfire emergencies.

Impact

The resolution is expected to impact various stakeholders, including:
- Government Entities: Federal, State, local, and Tribal governments will be encouraged to participate in awareness and preparedness initiatives.
- Communities at Risk: Residents in areas prone to wildfires, particularly in vulnerable communities, will benefit from increased resources and educational initiatives.
- Non-Governmental Organizations: NGOs involved in disaster preparedness and community safety will play a crucial role in implementing the proposed measures.

Legislative Actions

• June 16, 2025: The resolution was agreed to in the Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
• May 22, 2025: The resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsors

• Primary Sponsor: Mazie K. Hirono
• Cosponsor: John Barrasso

Related Bills

• HRES 467: A companion resolution related to wildfire preparedness.

This resolution serves as a proactive measure to enhance community resilience against wildfires, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and education in mitigating the risks associated with these natural disasters.