PROCLAMATION
Wildfire Awareness Month -May 2025
WHEREAS, extreme wildfires are an increasing threat to public health and safety, homes, air quality, climate goals, and our forests. California is experiencing fires that, on average, burn larger and hotter than ever before; and
WHEREAS, over the past Eight years, California has endured 64,148 wildfires: including the Tubbs Fire which is the fourth deadliest in state history, and Atlas, Nuns, Glass, Lightning Complex; and WHEREAS, with increased vegetation from spring rains and hotter, drier weather approaching, fire danger is expected to be high in 2025. Public education and up-to-date regional emergency planning are critical to strengthening community resilience to wildfire and other extreme weather events; and WHEREAS, wildfires are a natural, periodic occurrence in California. Many native species depend on cyclical fires for survival. To preserve the economic and recreational value of our rural and wilderness lands, we must strike a balance between the state’s fire ecology and the need to protect human life and property; and
WHEREAS, here in Yountville, we know that firefighting alone cannot fully protect us. Every resident and property owner—especially in high-risk areas—has a vital role to play in preventing the loss of life and property during wildfire events. During this month as we begin peak fire season, we must all take responsibility for raising awareness and taking proactive steps to protect our homes, families, and communities; and
WHEREAS, Napa County is committed to fire prevention and fuels mitigation, investing over $24.6 million over the past four years and pledging matching funds to the incoming the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), and Fuels Reduction Grants; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of Wildfire Awareness Month, the Napa County Fire Department and the Napa County Fire Marshal’s Office, in cooperation with CAL FIRE, the Napa County Office of Emergency Services, the Napa Communities Firewise Foundation, 22 active Fire Safe Councils, and numerous community partners, have intensified efforts to educate residents on essential wildfire preparedness steps.
NOW, THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, I, Margie Mohler, Mayor of the Town of Yountville, State of California, on this 6th day of May 2025, hereby recognize May 2025 as Wildfire Awareness Month in Yountville. Town Council extends our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities from wildfire. We strongly urge all residents and property owners to: – Maintain proper vegetation management and defensible space – Harden their homes – Prepare an evacuation plan – Assemble an emergency go-bag – Stay alert, informed, and ready.
Margie Mohler, Mayor
Dated: May 6, 2025