Torres, Valadao, Obernolte, Hirono, and Barrasso Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution to Strengthen Wildfire Preparedness and Protect Communities Nationwide
Washington, D.C – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres, Congressman David Valadao, Congressman Jay Obernolte, Senator Mazie Hirono, and Senator John Barrasso reintroduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution designating May 2026 as National Wildfire Preparedness Month to encourage communities across the country to take proactive steps to prepare for increasingly severe wildfire seasons.
The resolution comes as communities nationwide continue to recover from devastating wildfires, including the catastrophic Los Angeles-area fires from last year, while wildfire threats continue to intensify across the West and in regions historically less prone to fire activity. As of May 8, 25,560 fires have burned more than 1.88 million acres nationwide this year.
“Wildfires are becoming more frequent, more destructive, and more difficult for communities to recover from,” said Congresswoman Torres. “Families across California know all too well the fear of evacuation, the loss of homes, and the uncertainty that follows a major disaster. I’ve experienced that loss personally from an electrical fire which destroyed my home, and I know how important it is that we do everything possible to prepare before tragedy strikes. Designating May as National Wildfire Preparedness Month is about giving families the tools and information they need to protect themselves, strengthening community resilience, and supporting the firefighters and first responders who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.”
“Wildfire preparedness is personal for the mountain communities I represent, where families have seen fires like the Line Fire threaten their homes, force evacuations, and endanger lives,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Designating May as National Wildfire Preparedness Month helps raise awareness about the steps families, local governments, and land managers can take to reduce risk, improve evacuation readiness, and support the firefighters and first responders who protect our homes.”
“Wildfires continue to threaten lives, homes, and critical infrastructure across California, and it’s essential we remain prepared,” said Congressman Valadao. “Designating the month of May as National Wildfire Preparedness Month will help raise awareness about the dangers wildfires pose, recognize the dedication and sacrifice of our first responders, and encourage communities to take proactive steps to protect themselves before disaster strikes.”
“In Hawaii and across the country, we’ve seen the devastating impact wildfires can have on our communities. As climate change continues to impact our environment, it’s critical communities take action to reduce their wildfire risk,” said Senator Hirono. “As we work to minimize wildfire risks and raise awareness, I will keep working with my colleagues in the Senate to safeguard our communities against natural disasters, support first responders, and strengthen fire resilience.”
“Our nation’s wildland firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our forests and our communities,” said Senator Barrasso. “This bipartisan resolution honors America’s brave firefighters and first responders and highlights the important work we must do to reduce the risk and impact of future wildfires.”
Background:
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, tens of thousands of wildfires burn millions of acres across the United States each year, with wildfire seasons becoming longer, more destructive, and increasingly unpredictable due to prolonged drought, extreme heat, and changing climate conditions. Communities across California and the country continue to face growing threats to public safety, housing, infrastructure, air quality, and local economies as wildfire risks intensify.
The resolution recognizes the importance of increasing awareness and strengthening wildfire preparedness efforts at every level. It encourages proactive mitigation strategies and public education initiatives that help communities better prepare before disasters strike.
The resolution highlights the importance of:
- Creating defensible space around homes and neighborhoods to reduce wildfire risk
- Strengthening emergency communication and evacuation systems during disasters
- Improving forest management and vegetation reduction efforts to help prevent catastrophic fires
- Expanding public education and preparedness initiatives to help families and communities respond during wildfire emergencies
- Supporting firefighters, first responders, and local emergency personnel on the frontlines of wildfire response
Congresswoman Torres encourages every family in California to take steps to stay safe and prepared. - Sign up for emergency alerts: http://ready.ca.gov/alerts
- Create a wildfire action plan: http://ReadyForWildfire.org
- Access emergency resources: http://ListosCalifornia.org
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For families across the nation, please also see: https://www.ready.gov/wildfires