COLORADO LIGHTNING SAFETY & WILDFIRE AWARENESS WEEK

June 22 – 28, 2008

WHEREAS, in 2002, Colorado experienced the worst wildfire season in its history with over 3,000 fires burning over 600,000 acres; and

WHEREAS, predictions of below normal precipitation coupled with higher than normal temperatures may lead to dry conditions similar to those exhibited in 2002; and

WHEREAS, the combined impacts of drought and adverse forest conditions across Colorado creates dangerous wildfire conditions that threaten the lives and property of Coloradans, as well as endanger our state’s delicate ecosystem; and

WHEREAS, the key to understanding the dangers of wildfire is through education and awareness, and past experiences have demonstrated that a well-informed and prepared public can take actions to prevent fires from starting; and

WHEREAS, there are a half million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes annually, creating approximately half of the wildland fires in Colorado, and more people in Colorado are killed or injured by lightning each year than from any other thunderstorm hazard; and

WHEREAS, Lightning Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week will promote the awareness and education of necessary actions and strategies to prevent wildfires, and the loss of life, property, and environmental damage associated therewith; and

WHEREAS, the Colorado Division of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, the Colorado State Forest Service, and local government agencies are prepared to assist the citizens of Colorado and inform the public of lightning safety measures and wildfire preparedness;

Therefore, I, Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim June 22 – 28, 2008, as

COLORADO LIGHTNING SAFETY AND WILDFIRE AWARENESS WEEK in the state of Colorado.