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H8571
2026 -- H 8571
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LC006474
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
DECLARING MAY 2026 AS "WILDFIRE AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF
RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By:
Representatives Cotter, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale, Place,
Kennedy, Shallcross Smith, Ajello, Bennett, and Fogarty
Date Introduced:
May 21, 2026
Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, Wildfires across the United States have become more frequent and severe
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due to drought, rising temperatures, and changing climate conditions, demonstrating a nationwide
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need for prevention and preparedness; and
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WHEREAS, While wildfire activity is most concentrated in western and southeastern
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regions of the United States, wildfire risk is increasingly recognized as a nationwide concern as
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climate and land-use conditions continue to expand fire-prone environments; and
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WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island experiences conditions that elevate wildfire risk,
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including seasonal dryness, wind events, and fuel accumulation in forested and suburban areas;
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and
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WHEREAS, According to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
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(DEM), Rhode Island experienced more than 60 reported wildfires in 2025, demonstrating that
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wildfire risk remains an ongoing concern within the State; and
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WHEREAS, Wildfires pose threats to public safety, property, air quality, ecosystems, and
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public health through exposure to harmful smoke and fine particulate matter; and
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WHEREAS, The DEM, through its Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment and
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Forest Fire Program, serves as the State’s lead agency for wildfire prevention, preparedness,
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response coordination, and forest fire management; and
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WHEREAS, The DEM Forest Fire Program provides wildfire suppression support,
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firefighter training, public education, interagency coordination, and wildfire mitigation strategies
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to reduce wildfire risk statewide; and
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WHEREAS, The DEM Forest Fire Program also supports forest health and wildfire risk
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reduction through forest management practices, including prescribed fires conducted under strict
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safety protocols to reduce hazardous fuel loads; and
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WHEREAS, During periods of elevated wildfire danger caused by conditions such as low
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humidity, dry fuels, and strong winds, the DEM may issue fire weather advisories, including Fire
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Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings, and may coordinate restrictions on outdoor burning
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and fire-related activities to protect public safety; and
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WHEREAS, Wildfire prevention depends on public awareness and responsible behavior,
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including safe outdoor burning practices, proper disposal of smoking materials, safe equipment
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use, and compliance with fire restrictions; and
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WHEREAS, Wildfire preparedness in Rhode Island requires coordinated planning among
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state and local partners, including emergency response planning, firefighter training, and
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community risk reduction in forested and suburban areas; and
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WHEREAS, Residents are encouraged to prepare for wildfire emergencies by developing
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evacuation plans, assembling emergency kits, monitoring alerts, and maintaining defensible space
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around homes; and
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WHEREAS, Wildfire Awareness Month provides an opportunity to promote wildfire
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prevention and preparedness and to recognize firefighters, emergency responders, and public
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safety officials who help protect Rhode Island communities; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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recognizes and declares May 2026 as “Wildfire Awareness Month” in the State of Rhode Island;
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and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental
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Management and to the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island, Sabina Matos.
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LC006474
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