July 31, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 136 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Pages H4193-H4194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING UTAH FIREFIGHTERS' BATTLE AGAINST KNOLLS FIRE

  (Mr. McADAMS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. McADAMS. Madam Speaker, Utah's hot, dry summers bring with them 
risks to lives and property due to wildfires.
  Our first and last line of defense against this risk is the skill, 
dedication, and courage of firefighters from across our State. 
Sometimes we may take their efforts for granted until we hear about a 
particular act of valor, as in Utah's firefighters' recent battle 
against the Knolls fire in Saratoga Springs.
  So far this season, Utah communities have seen 650 fires, which have 
forced evacuations across the State. The city of Saratoga Springs and 
other surrounding communities faced some of the worst of it so far, 
with 13,000 residents forced to evacuate their homes due to the Knolls 
fire.
  For 7 days and nights, in extreme temperatures and erratic winds, 200 
firefighters worked tirelessly to protect the community and our 
residents. The fire consumed over 13,000 acres of land, but due to 
their extraordinary efforts, only one home was lost to the flames.
  Wildfire season continues, but what we have shown with the Knolls 
fire is that local, State, and Federal resources in coordination can 
minimize damage and save lives.
  I am grateful to the brave men and women who suit up for these 
dangerous

[[Page H4194]]

scenarios and never quit until the job is done.

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