2023 -- H 6443

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LC003066

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING AND THANKING MEMBERS OF THE EXETER FIRE DEPARTMENT

FOR THEIR HEROIC EFFORTS LEADING THE RESPONSE TO THE WILDFIRE IN

QUEEN'S RIVER PRESERVE

     Introduced By: Representatives Cotter, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Casimiro,
Spears, Solomon, Tanzi, Shallcross Smith, and Ajello

     Date Introduced: May 25, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Spring is wildfire season in Rhode Island, from mid-March to mid-May, fire

is a constant concern. In a trifecta of hazardous developments, temperature spikes, humidity

dropping and escalating wind initiated the National Weather Service, and the DEM to issue a

"Red Flag Warning" alerting the public to the potential for extreme fire risk in parts of the State;

and

     WHEREAS, In addition, over the last decade, hardwood trees in western and southern

areas of Rhode Island had been hard-hit by an infestation of spongy moths, creating a large

volume of dead wood, and together with the dried-out leaf litter, pine needles and other debris

dropped by the trees over the course of the winter, a dangerous layer of kindling was created in

many local forest areas; and

     WHEREAS, On the night of April 11, one day after the Red Flag Warning had been

issued, a brush fire broke out at the Queen's River Preserve in the Big River Management Area in

West Greenwich, and quickly became the largest wildfire since 1942, burning acres of woodland,

an estimated third of the preserve's acreage; and

     WHEREAS, The Exeter Fire Department had the lead in responding to the fire, with

assistance from the six-person team at the DEM that specializes in wildfires, and firefighters from

Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine. Almost 200 people were on scene to fight back the fire;

and

     WHEREAS, For many hours throughout the night and following day, the Exeter Fire

Department organized efforts to continuously douse the flames, dumping 40,000 gallons of water,

and monitoring the area for new breakouts and smoldering areas. Fortunately, no persons were

injured and no homes were damaged as a result of the heroic efforts led by members of the Exeter

Fire Department; and

     WHEREAS, Throughout history, our State and our Nation have been propitiously blessed

with the brave and dedicated efforts of firefighters who are willing to step forward and face

potential life and death situations to safeguard our homes and loved ones, and they are eminently

deserving of our gratitude and recognition; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

thanks and honors the heroic actions of the Exeter Fire Department and all the brave collaborating

districts and agencies for their efforts responding to the wildfire in Queen's River Preserve. They

are truly an inspiration to us all and we extend best wishes for their good health, safety, and

continued success; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Exeter Fire Chief Scott Gavitt.

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