California Wildfires Prompt State of Emergency Proclamation

California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency Sunday, Sept. 13, in light of the destructive wildfire burning across two Northern California counties.

 

The Valley Fire has burned 61,000 acres in Lake and Napa counties, destroyed approximately 400 homes, and has reportedly claimed the life of a civilian since it started the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 12, according to Cal Fire.

In a Monday morning public briefing, Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant said the Valley Fire is one of the most destructive fires in the state’s history. Despite increased humidity and a drop in temperature Sunday evening, the spokesperson said the fire is expected to continue to spread in several directions.

Roads and infrastructure in the area south of Clear Lake have also been damaged by the large fire, which stands at only 5 percent containment. In addition, roughly 5,000 people are without power as a result of destroyed electrical infrastructure.

In his proclamation, Brown listed the ongoing California drought, which is in its fourth year, as a contributing factor to the damaging wildfire.

Due to dry and windy conditions, the Valley Fire has continued to spread rapidly throughout the area, and has made it difficult for fire crews to create effective fire lines.

As per the emergency order, the California National Guard will be mobilized to support disaster relief and response efforts.

More than 1,400 firefighters and more than 230 pieces of equipment have been assigned to the fire.

Crews with Cal Fire, South Lake County Fire Protection District, the California Highway Patrol, the California National Guard, Napa, Sonoma, Lake County Sheriff’s Office and many local government fire departments are working toward containment.