Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday proclaimed a "state of emergency" for Alpine, Amador and Placer counties because of the Caldor Fire, which has forced the evacuation of thousands of residents, including major portions of South Lake Tahoe.
Earlier this month, Newsom also proclaimed a state of emergency for El Dorado County because of the same fire that has been active for 17 days and has consumed 191,607 acres.
"It is imperative that residents in the affected areas stay safe and prepare to evacuate immediately if requested by local authorities. We thank all of the heroic firefighters and emergency responders who are working around the clock to fight this rapidly spreading fire and protect local communities in California this fire season," said the governor.
He also signed an executive order to support the state's wildfire recovery and response efforts.
At the request of several counties currently in a state of emergency due to wildfires, the order allows out-of-county emergency workers who are unable to cast ballots in their local precincts to receive provisional ballots, upon request, for the upcoming election.
Among other provisions, the order also allows for the waiver of regulations so that hospitals and other health care facilities affected by the fires can continue to provide care and services, and allows U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel to help remove hazardous debris from damaged private property, protecting public health and the environment.
Governor Newsom announced last week that the White House approved California's request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration, including supports available for residents affected by wildfires and assistance for state, tribal and local governments with ongoing emergency response and recovery costs.
California was also recently awarded a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to support the state's response to the Dixie Fire in Lassen, Butte and Plumas counties, as well as the response to the French, Caldor, Monument, River and Lava fires.
Notably, the State Operations Center has also been activated to its highest level and has proclaimed a state of emergency in the counties affected by the Caldor Fire, McFarland and Monument, Antelope and River, Dixie, Fly and Tamarack fires, in addition to the Lava Fire and Beckwourth Complex Fire.
The governor signed a executive order to support affected communities and to strengthen recovery and response efforts to these fires.
CAL FIRE and Cal OES personnel are responding in conjunction with other federal, state and local agencies to address emergency management and mutual aid needs.
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