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 averages over 700 wildfires annually, over ninety percent of which are 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 but rely on the support of every resident and visitor to reduce wildfire risks; and

WHEREAS, climate conditions, including prolonged droughts, rising temperatures, and changing weather patterns are increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires, making preparedness and prevention more critical than ever; and

WHEREAS, communities, landowners, and recreational users are encouraged to work collaboratively with the Maine Forest Service, fire officials, and local organizations to implement wildfire mitigation strategies, emergency response planning, and education efforts 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 20-26, 2025 as

Wildfire Awareness Week

throughout the State of Maine, and I urge 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 second day of April Two Thousand Twenty-Five