A resolution designating May 2026 as "National Wildfire Preparedness Month".

This resolution designates May 2026 as "National Wildfire Preparedness Month" to address the escalating threat of wildfires across the United States, which have increased in scale, complexity, and severity, with fire seasons lengthening and new regions becoming vulnerable. Recent statistics highlight the urgency, with millions of acres burned and thousands of wildfires reported, significantly exceeding historical averages and posing above-normal risks to many states. The resolution emphasizes that nearly 85 percent of wildland fires are human-caused , leading to billions in suppression costs and extensive damage, while also acknowledging the severe health risks faced by firefighters and the broader public from smoke exposure. Significant investments in proactive planning, mitigation, and risk reduction are deemed essential to counteract these growing dangers, with key preventative measures including reducing home ignition risks, improving community planning, developing evacuation plans, and implementing effective vegetation management. The Senate officially designates May 2026 as "National Wildfire Preparedness Month," encouraging heightened awareness and preparedness efforts across all levels of government and communities. It specifically supports resources and educational initiatives that communicate effective preventative strategies, such as home hardening , land management practices, early warning systems, and ensuring safe evacuations.