A bipartisan U.S. Senate resolution proposed by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) would recognize the bravery, sacrifice and heroism of firefighters and first responders across Montana and the nation who have fought, continue to fight, or who have died in the line of duty during this year’s ongoing wildfire season.
“This resolution also serves to honor and extend condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives protecting Montana communities from wildfires, including Tom Duffy and Sara Madsen,” said Sen. Daines, referring to two Montana firefighters.
Madsen, 24, was in her first year as a part of the elite Helena Hotshot crew housed within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest when she died last month in a vehicle accident as she returned home from a fire assignment in Idaho. Chopper pilot Duffy, 40, a third-generation Gallatin County Search and Rescue volunteer, died in August when his helicopter went down battling a wildfire in Oregon’s Mount Hood National Forest.
“This wildfire season has brought horrific loss of lives and property, and it would have been even worse if it weren’t for our brave firefighters and first responders on the front lines,” Sen. Daines said. “It’s an honor to recognize our Montana heroes who risk their lives every day to protect our communities from wildfires.”
Sen. Daines sponsored the resolution with several colleagues, including U.S. Sens. Martha McSally (R-AZ), John Hoeven (R-ND), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), which also would highlight the ongoing efforts during the 2020 wildfire season.
For instance, as of Sept. 23, some 534 crews and more than 30,000 wildland firefighters are mobilized to assist with efforts to contain wildfires that threaten communities throughout the West, according to the text.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Defense since that date approved and mobilized more than 400 U.S. Marines, Navy sailors, and Army soldiers to assist with wildfire suppression efforts, while multiple state governors mobilized members and units of the National Guard to assist with wildfire suppression efforts, among many others, according to the resolution’s text.
To date, more than 35 people have died and some 4,000 properties have been destroyed as wildfires continue to burn, according to Sen. Daines’ office.