PROCLAMATION
Wildfire Awareness Month
May 2026
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 burn larger and hotter than ever before; and
WHEREAS, since 2017, California has endured 72,456 wildfires: including the Tubbs Fire, which is the fourth deadliest in state history, as well as the Atlas, Nuns, Glass, LNU Lightning Complex and Pickett incident; and
WHEREAS, with increased vegetation from winter rains and hotter, drier weather approaching, fire danger is expected to be high in 2026. 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 continue to enjoy the economic and recreational benefits of our rural and wilderness lands, we must strive to achieve a balance between California’s fire ecology and the need to protect human life and property; and
WHEREAS, here in Yountville, we know that fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Every resident and property owner, especially those in high-risk areas, have a vital role to play in preventing the loss of life and property during wildfire events. During the month of May, 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 $23 million over the past four years and matching funds to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), and Fuels Reduction Grants; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of Wildfire Awareness Month, the Napa County Fire Department in cooperation with CAL FIRE, Napa Communities Firewise Foundation, 24 active Fire Safe Councils, our industry partners and numerous community partners, has intensified efforts to educate residents on essential wildfire preparedness steps. Life and property-saving information can be found at CountyofNapa.org, Napacounty.gov/countyfire, ReadyNapaCounty.org and ReadyforWildfire.org.
NOW, THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, I, Margie Mohler, Mayor of the Town of Yountville, State of California, do hereby recognize May 2026 as Wildfire Awareness Month in Yountville, and in doing so, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women who dedicate their life’s work to keeping our communities safe from fire. We strongly urge all residents and property owners to understand and maintain appropriate vegetation management and defensible space, harden their homes, have an evacuation plan, assemble an emergency go-bag, stay alert, informed, and ready.
Margie Mohler, Mayor
Dated: May 19, 2026