05/06/2009 GAAS:227:09 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version |
Gov. Schwarzenegger Proclaims State of Emergency in Santa Barbara County Due to Jesusita Wildfire
Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger today proclaimed a state of emergency in Santa Barbara County as
a result of the Jesusita Wildfire which has burned over 400 acres, destroyed
homes and caused the evacuation of over 8,000 people.
Earlier this week, the Governor signed an executive order which
mobilizes the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
and other state agencies to secure and deploy the additional resources and
personnel that are necessary to save lives and protect homes statewide from
wildfires.
The text of the
proclamation is below:
A PROCLAMATION OF A
STATE OF EMERGENCY
WHEREAS on May 5, 2009, a wildfire started in Santa Barbara County, which
is exacerbated by high winds and continues to burn; and
WHEREAS the fire has already burned over 400 acres with zero percent
containment; and
WHEREAS the fire has already destroyed homes and caused the evacuation
of over 8,000 people; and
WHEREAS this fire threatens several high power electrical lines in the
area; and
WHEREAS I requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency grant a
Fire Management Assistance Grant to ensure financial resources are available to
fight the fire; and
WHEREAS on May 6, 2009, the
County of Santa Barbara declared a local emergency due to this fire and
requested that I proclaim a state of emergency; and
WHEREAS the circumstances of this fire, by reason of their magnitude, are or are likely
to be 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 wildfire in Santa Barbara County.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of
California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the state
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 County of Santa Barbara.
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 California Emergency Management
Agency (CalEMA) and the State Emergency Plan and that CalEMA 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 6th Day of May 2009.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
Governor of California
ATTEST:
DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State
