Hirono joins in introducing bipartisan resolution recognizing National Wildfire Preparedness Month

US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution designating May as “National Wildfire Preparedness Month.” The bill is aimed at encouraging increased awareness and preparedness as wildfires across the country increase in scale, complexity and severity. The introduction of this resolution comes as recovery efforts continue following the devastating Lahaina wildfires in 2023 and the Los Angeles fires earlier this year.

Fellow Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), and US Reps. Norma Torres (D-CA), David Valadao (R-CA), and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) also introduced the measure.

“As wildfires increase in frequency and severity across our country, it is critical that our communities remain vigilant and proactive in reducing the risk of these natural disasters,” said Hirono. “As we enter wildfire season, this resolution helps to highlight the importance of wildfire mitigation and serves as a reminder to take preventative measures to increase fire resilience and better safeguard our communities and first responders.”

“Our nation’s wildland firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our forests and our communities. It is critical we provide them with the resources and tools they need to help prevent catastrophic fires. Our bipartisan resolution honors our brave firefighters and first responders and highlights the important work we must do to reduce the risk and impact of future wildfires,” said Barrasso.

“Wildfires continue to be one of the most destructive natural disasters, putting families, homes, and entire communities at risk across our country. Earlier this year, thousands of Californians lost everything to these catastrophic fires. As someone who lost my own home to a fire years ago, I know firsthand what it’s like to lose everything in an instant,” said Torres. “This resolution serves as a crucial reminder that wildfire preparedness is not only a concern for those living in fire-prone areas but for all of us. I’m proud to work alongside Senator Hirono, Senator Barrasso, Congressman Valadao and Congressman Obernolte to highlight the importance of taking proactive measures—such as creating defensible space, staying informed through local alerts, and supporting fire resilience efforts—to reduce the risks that wildfires pose. Together, we can build safer, more resilient communities that are prepared to face the challenges during the wildfire season.”

“Wildfires continue to threaten lives, property, and critical infrastructure across California and throughout the West,” said Valadao. “It’s essential that we remain prepared year-round—not just during fire season—to protect our communities and support the first responders who put themselves on the line. I’m proud to join my colleagues in the House and Senate to raise awareness about the importance of proactive planning and prevention in the fight against wildfires.”

From January 1 to May 2, 2025, over 22,000 wildfires burned more than 988,000 acres, which is above the 10-year average occurrence of wildfires and average 10-year burned area. As wildfires become growing threats in regions of the US that have little to no history of wildfires and, in many parts of the country, fire seasons are lengthening to encompass the entire year, this resolution emphasizes the need for investment in planning, mitigation, and risk reduction efforts to counteract wildfire risk, damage, and loss. The resolution also supports expanding resources and educational initiatives that communicate how at-risk communities can take preventative measures to limit wildfire hazards.

“This resolution affirms the importance of local, state, and federal collaboration to support proactive wildfire risk reduction, planning, and community readiness,” said the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization. “HWMO is proud to support this effort and commends Senator Hirono for championing wildfire resilience as a national priority informed by the needs of wildfire-prone communities in Hawaiʻi and beyond. ” 

“We support this resolution as powerful recognition of the growing challenges our wildland firefighters face on the front lines—including those in the private wildland fire service, who are crucial to protecting our communities,” said Deborah Miley, Executive Director of the National Wildfire Suppression Association. “This is a step toward ensuring investments go where they’re needed most—from prevention and education to protecting the health and safety of those on the line.”

This resolution is endorsed by the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization and the National Wildfire Suppression Association.

In the House, this resolution is cosponsored by Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA).

The full text of the resolution is available here.