WHEREAS, general public and firefighter safety is a priority within wildland fire management, and several agencies and organizations in Alaska share a common goal of providing protection while preserving and enhancing the health of forests and wetlands; and
WHEREAS, Alaska’s vast expanses of wildlands serve as habitat for fish and wildlife, provide abundant recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, are home to extensive timber resources, and enrich our Alaskan lifestyle; and
WHEREAS, wildland fires are a natural and inevitable part of the ecosystem and are vital to the maintenance of forest health, but they are also unpredictable and can spread at a swift pace and endanger lives and property; and
WHEREAS, in addition to naturally occurring wildfires, fires caused by people happen every year, and they typically pose more of a threat to residents, firefighters, and property, but all fires pose a serious public safety concern, so Alaskans must use precaution, practice prevention, and be prepared to protect their communities; and
WHEREAS, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Fire Protection first responders have been essential in maintaining public safety by providing fire suppression services through longer and more intense fire seasons of recent years.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 7 – 13, 2023 as:
Wildland Fire Prevention and Preparedness Week
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to recognize the importance of wildfires to the Alaskan landscape, be aware of their potential for damage, and commit to educating themselves on how to reduce the threat of wildland fires to our homes, properties, and communities.
Dated: May 7, 2023
