A resolution commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire in Arizona.

Whereas June 18, 2022, is the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire;

Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire forced the evacuation of more than 30,000 people in Arizona, including in the City of Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Navajo County, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe communities of Hon-Dah;

Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire burned 468,638 acres (742 square miles), making it second largest wildfire recorded in the State of Arizona;

Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire damaged and destroyed 491 structures, including homes and businesses;

Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire started as 2 wildfires that later merged into the first megafire in Arizona history;

Whereas, on June 18, 2002, the human-caused Rodeo Fire ignited near the Rodeo Fairgrounds near the community of Cibecue, located on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation (commonly known as the White Mountain Apache Reservation);

Whereas Rodeo Fire burned at a rate of 2,000 acres per hour for the first 30 hours with flame lengths up to 1,000 feet and ground temperatures above 2,000 degrees;

Whereas fire-fighting aviation support was grounded during the Rodeo Fire due to high, erratic winds, requiring a total airspace closure for the third time in the history of wildland firefighting in the United States;

Whereas, on June 20, 2002, the human-caused Chediski Fire was reported near Chediski Peak in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests about 20 miles northwest of the Rodeo Fire;

Whereas, on June 20, 2002, Arizona Governor Jane Dee Hull declared a state of emergency and authorized mobilization of the Arizona National Guard to support firefighters;

Whereas, on June 23, 2002, the 2 fires burned together and were redesignated as the Rodeo-Chediski Fire;

Whereas, on June 25, 2002, President George W. Bush arrived at Springerville Municipal Airport, Springerville, Arizona, and signed a declaration that designated the Rodeo-Chediski Fire a national disaster;

Whereas more than 4,500 firefighters and support personnel, 30 helicopters, 251 engines, 92 water tankers, and 90 bulldozers were assigned to the Rodeo-Chediski Fire; and

Whereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire burned for 5 weeks until the fire was declared contained on July 7, 2002: Now, therefore, be it