MendoCoastCurrent, June 26, 2008
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today proclaimed a state of emergency in Mendocino and Shasta Counties as a result of lightning strikes that ignited more than 230 wildfires in these counties. The proclamation utilizes all resources consistent with the state’s authority under the California Disaster Assistance Act.
Yesterday, the Governor visited the command posts for the Basin Complex Fire in Monterey County and the BTU Lightning Complex Fire in Butte County. He also announced $20 million for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to cover the costs of the Humboldt and Ophir Fires in Butte County earlier this month. Because the Governor declared a state of emergency for those fires on June 11, the state was able to immediately process the Executive Order and distribute the money. Also, to help the victims of the Ophir and Humboldt Fires in Butte County and the Martin Fire in Santa Cruz County, the Governor on Sunday signed an Executive Order to waive fees and assist with recovery efforts.
On Monday, Governor Schwarzenegger proclaimed a state of emergency in Monterey and Trinity Counties as a result of the Basin Complex Fire, Gallery Fire and Lime Complex Fire.
On May 9, 2008, the Governor issued Executive Order S-03-08, which boosted the state’s preparedness for wildfire season and directed CAL FIRE to immediately mobilize critical firefighting resources and personnel to save lives and homes statewide.
A PROCLAMATION
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
WHEREAS lightning strikes starting on June 20, 2008, ignited over 100 wildfires within the County of Mendocino, and lightning strikes starting on June 21, 2008, ignited more than 130 wildfires in the County of Shasta; and
WHEREAS the fires in those counties continue to be driven by dry conditions and high winds, and these conditions are expected to continue; and
WHEREAS over 25,000 acres have already burned in Mendocino County, and over 20,000 acres have already burned in Shasta County; and
WHEREAS the fires in these counties have damaged property and caused injuries to people; and
WHEREAS the fires continue to threaten residential and commercial property and structures, and evacuations have been ordered at various locations within the counties of Mendocino and Shasta; and
WHEREAS on June 23, 2008, the Director of Emergency Services and the Board of Supervisors for the County of Shasta proclaimed a local emergency in the County of Shasta, finding that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist within the County of Shasta caused by the fires; and
WHEREAS on June 24, 2008, the Board of Supervisors for the County of Mendocino proclaimed a local emergency in the County of Mendocino, finding that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist within the County of Mendocino caused by the fires, and requesting that I proclaim a state of emergency in Mendocino County; and
WHEREAS the circumstances of these wildfires, by reason of their magnitude, are beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of any single county, city and county, or city and require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to combat; and
WHEREAS under the provisions of section 8558(b) of the California Government Code, I find that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist due to the fires in the counties of Mendocino and Shasta.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the California Constitution and statutes, including the California Emergency Services Act, and in particular, section 8625 of the California Government Code, HEREBY PROCLAIM A STATE OF EMERGENCY to exist within the counties of Mendocino and Shasta.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that all agencies of the state government utilize and employ state personnel, equipment and facilities for the performance of any and all activities consistent with the direction of the Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the State Emergency Plan, and that OES provide local government assistance under the authority of the California Disaster Assistance Act.
I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this proclamation be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given of this proclamation.
Mendo Coast Current 