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HR 8571

HOUSE RESOLUTION DECLARING MAY 2026 AS "WILDFIRE AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island designates May 2026 as Wildfire Awareness Month to boost prevention, preparedness, and coordination among residents and agencies.

05/21/2026 House read and passed
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Bill Summary · HR 8571

Overview

  • Bill: HR 8571
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Title: HOUSE RESOLUTION DECLARING MAY 2026 AS "WILDFIRE AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  • Introduced: May 21, 2026
  • Status: Read and passed by the Rhode Island House (May 21, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

  • To formally declare May 2026 as "Wildfire Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island.
  • To recognize the growing impact of wildfires nationwide and within Rhode Island, emphasizing prevention, preparedness, and coordination among agencies and communities.
  • To acknowledge the role of firefighters, emergency responders, and public safety officials in wildfire prevention and response.

Key Provisions

  • Declaration: The Rhode Island House of Representatives designates May 2026 as "Wildfire Awareness Month" in Rhode Island.
  • Acknowledgments: Highlights the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires due to drought, rising temperatures, and climate conditions; notes that Rhode Island faces risks from seasonal dryness, wind events, and fuel accumulation.
  • Public agencies and roles:
    • Identifies the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) as the lead state agency for wildfire prevention, preparedness, response coordination, and forest fire management.
    • Describes DEM’s Forest Fire Program responsibilities, including suppression support, firefighter training, interagency coordination, public education, and mitigation strategies.
    • Mentions support for forest health and reduction of wildfire risk through forest management practices, including prescribed fires under strict safety protocols.
    • Describes fire weather monitoring and potential restrictions on outdoor burning during elevated danger periods (e.g., Fire Weather Watches, Red Flag Warnings).
  • Public education and preparedness:
    • Emphasizes public awareness of safe outdoor burning, proper disposal of smoking materials, safe equipment use, and compliance with fire restrictions.
    • Encourages coordinated planning among state and local partners for emergency response, firefighter training, and community risk reduction in forested and suburban areas.
    • Advises residents to prepare for wildfire emergencies by creating evacuation plans, assembling emergency kits, monitoring alerts, and maintaining defensible space around homes.
  • Recognition: Expresses that Wildfire Awareness Month is an opportunity to promote prevention and preparedness and to recognize those who protect Rhode Island communities.
  • Action for officials:
    • The Secretary of State is authorized to transmit certified copies of the resolution to the DEM and to the Lieutenant Governor.

Who Is Affected

  • State government and agencies:
    • Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), particularly the Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment and Forest Fire Program.
    • State and local emergency management partners involved in wildfire planning and response.
  • Public: Rhode Island residents and property owners, especially those in forested or suburban areas at wildfire risk.
  • Public safety personnel: Firefighters, emergency responders, and related public safety officials acknowledged for their work in wildfire prevention and response.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • This is a ceremonial resolution recognizing May 2026 as Wildfire Awareness Month.
  • No new statutory requirements or funding authorizations are included.
  • The resolution directs the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies to DEM and the Lieutenant Governor.

Potential Impact

  • Raises public awareness about wildfire risk and prevention in Rhode Island.
  • Encourages adoption of safer practices for outdoor burning and smoking material disposal.
  • Supports ongoing DEM efforts in wildfire prevention, preparedness, and interagency coordination.
  • May inspire local governments and communities to develop or strengthen wildfire readiness plans, defensible space, and evacuation planning.

If you’d like, I can compare this resolution to prior Wildfire Awareness Month proclamations or summarize related Rhode Island wildfire prevention programs for context.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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