HRES-467-119
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
What it does
This resolution would designate May 2025 as "National Wildfire Preparedness Month." It expresses the House of Representatives' support for increased public awareness of wildfire risks and encourages preparedness efforts at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels, as well as by nongovernmental organizations. It also supports educational initiatives on preventative measures such as home hardening, land management, early warning systems, and evacuation planning. The resolution does not appropriate funds, create new law, or impose any legal obligations.
Who benefits
Residents in wildfire-prone regions — particularly in the Western U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories — who may gain awareness of protective measures. Firefighters and first responders, whose work may be reduced if communities adopt preventative practices. Homeowners in high-risk areas who act on preparedness guidance. Nongovernmental organizations and community groups that conduct wildfire education, who gain a nationally recognized platform. Livestock and pet owners who may benefit from improved evacuation planning awareness.
Who is hurt
No group faces a direct legal or financial burden from this resolution, as it is purely symbolic and advisory. Indirectly, congressional staff and committee time are consumed processing a non-binding measure. Some critics may argue that symbolic designations displace attention from substantive legislative action, which could be seen as a cost to communities seeking policy solutions.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that wildfire preparedness awareness saves lives and property at no federal cost, pointing to the resolution's own data showing 22,759 wildfires burned nearly one million acres in just the first four months of 2025 — above the 10-year average. They contend that nearly 85% of wildland fires are human-caused, meaning public education directly addresses the root cause, and that a nationally designated month amplifies existing community and NGO efforts with the credibility of a congressional endorsement.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that a non-binding symbolic resolution does nothing to address the structural drivers of worsening wildfires, such as forest management funding gaps, land use policy, or climate change, and that Congress's limited floor and committee time is better spent on substantive legislation. They contend that with federal wildfire suppression costs exceeding $2.5 billion per year, a commemorative designation without accompanying appropriations or policy directives offers little meaningful relief to affected communities.