"This morning I was briefed by Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, CalFire and the Office of Emergency Services regarding the wildfire and the efforts underway in battling the blaze.
"Many residents have already lost their homes and many more are in danger. I am working closely with all parties and we remain committed to ensuring that every resource is available in an effort to prevent any further losses.
"I extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the firefighters who are courageously battling the fire, and who put their lives on the line every day to protect the citizens of California, you are true heroes."
Lt. Governor John Garamendi signed the below proclamation declaring a State of Emergency for El Dorado County that will provide state funding to cover the costs of fighting the fire and repairing damaged infrastructure. Lt. Governor Garamendi was joined by Office of Emergency Services Director Henry Renteria and CalFire Assistant Deputy Director of Cooperative Fire Protection and Training & Safety Ken Pimlott.
Governor Schwarzenegger started receiving hourly briefings yesterday and was briefed by state officials and Lt. Governor John Garamendi via conference call this morning at 7:15 am. In addition to local resources, all available state equipment and personnel are being deployed to respond to the fire including: 40 fire engines, 2 helicopters and 12 crews. CalFire will also make California's DC 10 air tanker available to move to the region and assist in the effort.
Below is the full text of the Governor's proclamation:
PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY
WHEREAS conditions of extreme peril to public health and safety of persons and property exists within the County of El Dorado caused by the wildfires commencing on June 24, 2007 and continuing; and
WHEREAS on June 24, 2007 El Dorado County declared a local emergency and requested a state proclamation of emergency as the result of wildfires destroying homes and causing the evacuation of area residents; and
WHEREAS thousands of acres and hundreds of structures have already burned, including residential property, and there is imminent danger to additional homes, structures, and to important watershed areas; and
WHEREAS on June 24, 2007 the Office of Emergency Services requested a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant at the request of El Dorado County to ensure financial resources are available to rapidly attack the fire and reimburse critical firefighting costs; and
WHEREAS the circumstances of this wildfire, 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 exist due to the fires in El Dorado County.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Garamendi, Acting Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the state Constitution and the California Emergency Services Act, and in particular, section 8625 of the California Government Code, HEREBY PROCLAIM A STATE OF EMERGENCY to exist within El Dorado County.
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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 25th Day of June 2007.
