---
title: "A resolution commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire in Arizona."
identifier: "117-SRES-667"
congress: 117
bill_number: 667
bill_type: "SRES"
version_code: "ats"
version_type: "ats"
bill_url: "https://chamberzero.com/congresses/117/bills/sres/667"
source: "https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-resolution/667"
site: "Chamber Zero"
site_url: "https://chamberzero.com"
rendered_at: "2026-06-03T23:54:10.861Z"
---
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; andWhereas the Rodeo-Chediski Fire burned for 5 weeks until the fire was declared contained on July 7, 2002: Now, therefore, be itThat the Senate—
  - (1) commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire;
  - (2) commends the courage of local residents affected by the Rodeo-Chediski Fire;
  - (3) extends condolences to individuals who lost homes, businesses, and property; and
  - (4) honors the life-saving bravery and sacrifices of the firefighters and first responders assigned to the Rodeo-Chediski Fire.