WHEREAS, forests cover over eighty-nine percent of Maine's land, defining our environment and contributing to our high quality of life; and

WHEREAS, these healthy, productive forests provide employment and sustain the state's two leading industries, forest products and tourism; and

WHEREAS, for more than a century, the State of Maine has been a national leader in forest fire control and prevention, and in 1891 established the Maine Forest Service to combat forest fires; and

WHEREAS, Maine experienced 852 wildfires burning over 515 acres in 2025, over ninety-five percent of which were caused by people, destroying valuable natural resources, property and threatening human life; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Forest Protection Division, along with municipal fire departments, emergency management agencies, and local emergency responders, work tirelessly to prevent and suppress wildfires safely and quickly but rely on the support of every resident and visitor to reduce risks; and

WHEREAS, climate conditions, including prolonged droughts, rising temperatures, and changing weather patterns, are increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires, making preparedness, prevention, and mitigation strategies more critical than ever to protect Maine's forests and communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the week of April 19-25, 2026 as

Wildfire Awareness Week

in Maine, and I urge all residents and visitors to remain vigilant, informed, and proactive in wildfire prevention efforts to safeguard our forests, homes, and livelihoods for generations to come.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this nineteenth day of March Two Thousand Twenty-Five