Dreier Honors Firefighters and California Fire Victims

October 30, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA), Leader of the GOP Congressional Delegation, commended House passage of H.Res. 778, which recognizes and honors the service, actions and sacrifices of all individuals who responded to the wildfires in Southern California and stands with those who are directly impacted by this disaster. Congressman Dreier co-authored this bipartisan resolution with the entire California Bipartisan Congressional Delegation. The resolution was agreed to by a vote of 409 - 0.

“With over 500,000 acres scorched, nearly a million people evacuated, thousands of homes lost, and most tragic, seven lives lost, the devastation in Southern California is overwhelming,” Dreier stated. “The thousands of firefighters, local first responders and volunteers have been courageous, tireless and incredibly effective in responding to the blazes.  While we still have fires raging, we have had a great deal of success in the aftermath of these horrendous fires due to the stellar leadership and direction provided by Governor Schwarzenegger, President Bush, Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, and countless other federal, state and local officials.”

Immediately after the fires broke out, an Emergency Declaration was issued by President Bush which allowed federal resources to be sent to the frontlines of the fire to assist state and local resources. President Bush then issued a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the Governor’s request to help with the rebuilding efforts once the damage is assessed. Dreier surveyed the fire damage first hand with the President last week.

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The text of H.Res. 778 follows:

Whereas beginning on October 21, 2007, Southern California experienced a number of devastating wildfires destroying over five-hundred-thousand acres - the largest in the history of California - and over fourteen-hundred homes and countless other properties;

Whereas high temperatures and erratic winds caused the multiple fires to rapidly progress in the counties of Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, and San Diego;

Whereas loss of life and serious injuries have resulted from the fires;

Whereas approximately one million residents of Southern California have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses due to the fires;

Whereas the effect of the wildfires on Southern California families and businesses is still being felt;

Whereas thousands of firefighters from California and neighboring states and countries continue to respond to the fires, risking health and safety and exhibiting resilience and courage to rescue residents and fight the blazes;

Whereas over 2,500 National Guardsmen and other active duty military personnel are actively engaged in supporting firefighters and relief operations;

Whereas additional emergency personnel, such as law enforcement and medical personnel, have coordinated with local authorities and firefighters and have performed beyond the call of duty in the preservation and protection of human lives;

Whereas hundreds of volunteers took time from their daily lives to help ensure that evacuated families are sheltered, clothed, fed, and emotionally comforted through this traumatic event;
Whereas it is clear that the continued commitment and heroism exhibited by firefighters have saved countless lives, homes, and businesses;

Whereas the people of California and the nation recognize that the dedication of firefighters will remain steadfast throughout the ongoing efforts; and

Whereas a major federal disaster declaration was issued on October 24, 2007; Now therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) recognizes and honors the heroic service, actions, and sacrifices of first responders, National Guardsmen, and law enforcement personnel, state and local officials, volunteers, and others who participated in responding to the October 21, 2007 outbreak of wildfires in Southern California;

(2) expresses its commitment to the residents of Southern California as they begin to rebuild their community and their lives; and vows its full support to and solidarity with the state of California.

(3) vows its full support to and solidarity with the state of California.