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2007 SESSION
WHEREAS, on April 14, 2006, a dangerous forest fire was ignited by a lightning strike on Bull Mountain in Patrick County; and
WHEREAS, due to dry conditions and prevailing winds, the fire spread quickly in rugged and steep terrain, endangering many families and their property; and
WHEREAS, Patrick County firefighters and EMS personnel responded quickly to contain the fire and worked to protect lives and property in dangerous and adverse conditions; and
WHEREAS, in less than 24 hours, fire departments from surrounding communities and counties were on the scene and they were soon joined by Department of Forestry personnel, Virginia National Guard troops, and three Hotshot crews, which are teams specially trained to fight forest fires; in total more than 200 people were involved in battling the blaze; and
WHEREAS, while the fire destroyed almost 4,000 acres, as well as three homes, six other structures, and six vehicles, there were no deaths or serious injuries, and more than 100 homes were protected; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the tireless efforts of those directly fighting the fire, community members and local organizations mobilized to do their part, providing food for firefighters and shelter for people who had to be evacuated; and
WHEREAS, it took a week to bring the fire under control, which would not have been possible without the participation and cooperation of the numerous firefighters and EMS personnel and the smooth coordination of the various teams; and
WHEREAS, the following fire departments, rescue squads, state agencies, and local organizations were involved in the operation, either directly in firefighting activities or in coordination or support roles: Patrick County Emergency Management Office, Ararat Volunteer Fire Department, Ararat Rescue Squad, CCDF Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Fairystone Volunteer Fire Department, Meadows of Dan Volunteer Fire Department, Moorefield Store Volunteer Fire Department, Patrick Henry Volunteer Fire Department, Patrick Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Stuart Volunteer Fire Department, Woolwine Volunteer Fire Department, Vesta Rescue Squad, Jeb Stuart Rescue Squad, Smith River Rescue Squad, Carroll County EMS, Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department, Blue Ridge Rescue Squad, Old Dominion Search and Rescue, Stokes County (North Carolina) EMS, Summit Helicopters, Inc., Floyd County Public Safety, Floyd County Emergency Management, Henry County Public Safety, Virginia National Guard, Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia State Police, American Red Cross, Patrick Springs Ladies Auxiliary, Smith River Ladies Auxiliary, Fairystone Ladies Auxiliary, and Woolwine Ladies Auxiliary; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the firefighters and the rescue and support personnel who responded to the Bull Mountain fire; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare copies of this resolution for presentation to the organizations listed above as an expression of the General Assembly's gratitude for their extraordinary efforts to fight the Bull Mountain fire and protect the citizens of Patrick County and the Commonwealth.