Designating May 2026 as "National Wildfire Preparedness Month".

Bill Overview

• Bill: HRES 1308
• Session: 119
• Jurisdiction: United States
• Title: Designating May 2026 as "National Wildfire Preparedness Month"
• Status: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources (May 20, 2026). Also submitted in the House on May 20, 2026.
• Sponsors: Co-sponsors include Norma Torres, David Valadao, and Jay Obernolte.

Purpose and Intent

• The resolution designates May 2026 as National Wildfire Preparedness Month.
• It aims to raise awareness about wildfire risks, promote preparedness activities, and encourage federal, state, local, and tribal governments, along with individuals and communities, to take proactive steps to reduce wildfire impacts.

Key Provisions

• Formal designation of May 2026 as National Wildfire Preparedness Month.
• Encouragement for coordination among federal agencies, state and local authorities, and community organizations to implement wildfire preparedness measures.
• A call for public education and outreach to inform residents about wildfire risk reduction, planning, evacuation readiness, defensible space creation, and safe vegetation management.
• Promotion of best practices and resources related to wildfire prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Note: As a concurrent resolution, it generally expresses the sense or position of Congress rather than creating new laws or mandatory spending. It does not authorize new programs or funding by itself but may influence priorities and highlight the importance of wildfire preparedness.

Affected Parties

• Federal agencies involved in wildfire management and natural resources (e.g., Department of the Interior, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency) through the designation and emphasis on preparedness.
• State, local, and tribal governments that are urged to participate in preparedness activities.
• Communities, homeowners, and businesses located in wildfire-prone regions that may benefit from increased awareness and readiness activities.
• organizations and stakeholders involved in wildfire prevention education and outreach.

Procedural and Timeline Details

• The designation is set for May 2026, spanning the month dedicated to wildfire preparedness awareness.
• The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources for review. No indication of floor passage or enactment into law at this stage; as a resolution, it is typically non-controversial and symbolic in nature.

Potential Impact

• Increased public awareness about wildfire risks and preparedness measures during May 2026.
• Encouragement of community outreach, education, and coordination among government agencies and local entities.
• Potential for states and localities to align outreach efforts with national messaging and resources.
• Non-binding in terms of funding or mandatory requirements, but may influence future policy discussions and funding priorities related to wildfire prevention and resilience.

If you’d like, I can compare this resolution to prior National Wildfire Preparedness Month resolutions or outline related federal programs that support wildfire preparedness and resilience.