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US wildfires ravage 12 states and claim two firefighters. On Monday, June 20, firefighters
Josh Burch and Brett Fulton lost their lives while battling a wildfire that unexpectedly
reignited in dry conditions in Florida, while two other firemen were injured trying to rescue
their colleagues. As of Wednesday, June 22 more than 200,000 acres have been charred
across the state since May, with an average of 31 new fires daily prompting the establishment
of smoke shelters in cities like Jacksonville due to harmful fumes.
Florida is among 12 total states in the nation where more than 10,000 firefighters are valiantly
working to contain 53 active fires that have consumed over 4.3 million acres since January
1, 2011, an amount three times higher than the past 10-year average. The affected states
include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas. In
Arizona and neighboring New Mexico, over 853,000 acres have been charred, with 11,000 residents
evacuated as the state endures what is being called one of the worst wildfires in history.
In hard-hit Texas, dozens of fires fueled by severe drought have scorched more than
145,000 acres and destroyed at least 63 homes with thousands of residents who have also
been forced to evacuate.
As when the fires in the worst-hit states of Texas and Arizona were first reported in
early June, Supreme Master Ching Hai asked our Association members to check with local
officials to see if help is needed and to please also go if possible to comfort the
fire-affected. Upon hearing of the firefighters who perished, she also offered US$1,000 each
for the families of the late Mr. Burch and Mr. Fulton, asking that our Association members
also bring gifts such as candles and flowers when they visit, to convey her sorrowful condolences
and prayers for the departed.
Our appreciation, officials and brave firefighting personnel in all affected states, for your
tireless endeavors to safeguard life as we also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her
kindhearted support. With prayers for the protection of all the firefighting crews,
may such destructive events be curbed for the benefit of humans and animals alike as
we more kindly regard the ecosphere�