Declaring May 2026 as "Wildfire Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, Wildfires across the United States have become more frequent and severe due to drought, rising temperatures, and changing climate conditions, demonstrating a nationwide need for prevention and preparedness; and

WHEREAS, While wildfire activity is most concentrated in western and southeastern regions of the United States, wildfire risk is increasingly recognized as a nationwide concern as climate and land-use conditions continue to expand fire-prone environments; and

WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island experiences conditions that elevate wildfire risk, including seasonal dryness, wind events, and fuel accumulation in forested and suburban areas; and

WHEREAS, According to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Rhode Island experienced more than 60 reported wildfires in 2025, demonstrating that wildfire risk remains an ongoing concern within the State; and

WHEREAS, Wildfires pose threats to public safety, property, air quality, ecosystems, and public health through exposure to harmful smoke and fine particulate matter; and

WHEREAS, The DEM, through its Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment and Forest Fire Program, serves as the State’s lead agency for wildfire prevention, preparedness, response coordination, and forest fire management; and

WHEREAS, The DEM Forest Fire Program provides wildfire suppression support, firefighter training, public education, interagency coordination, and wildfire mitigation strategies to reduce wildfire risk statewide; and

WHEREAS, The DEM Forest Fire Program also supports forest health and wildfire risk reduction through forest management practices, including prescribed fires conducted under strict safety protocols to reduce hazardous fuel loads; and

WHEREAS, During periods of elevated wildfire danger caused by conditions such as low humidity, dry fuels, and strong winds, the DEM may issue fire weather advisories, including Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings, and may coordinate restrictions on outdoor burning and fire-related activities to protect public safety; and

WHEREAS, Wildfire prevention depends on public awareness and responsible behavior, including safe outdoor burning practices, proper disposal of smoking materials, safe equipment use, and compliance with fire restrictions; and

WHEREAS, Wildfire preparedness in Rhode Island requires coordinated planning among state and local partners, including emergency response planning, firefighter training, and community risk reduction in forested and suburban areas; and

WHEREAS, Residents are encouraged to prepare for wildfire emergencies by developing evacuation plans, assembling emergency kits, monitoring alerts, and maintaining defensible space around homes; and

WHEREAS, Wildfire Awareness Month provides an opportunity to promote wildfire prevention and preparedness and to recognize firefighters, emergency responders, and public safety officials who help protect Rhode Island communities; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes and declares May 2026 as “Wildfire Awareness Month” in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and to the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island, Sabina Matos.