07/29/2008 Print Version
WHEREAS, more than 2,000 fires have erupted in
California
since May 22, 2008; and
WHEREAS, the Humboldt Fire in Butte County has
caused more than 23,500 acres to burn, forced evacuations, and destroyed more
than 87 homes; and
WHEREAS, in response to the fires, I issued a
proclamation of emergency for 12 counties, including Butte County, and the
President of the United States has declared an emergency in the State of
California; and
WHEREAS, state and local officials have
determined the cause of the Humboldt Fire is arson;
and
WHEREAS, the Governor is authorized by Penal Code
section 1547(a) to offer rewards up to $50,000 for information leading to the
arrest and conviction of any person who commits arson;
and
WHEREAS, Butte County Fire Chief Henri
Brachais has asked that a state reward be offered
to encourage individuals with information about this crime to contact law
enforcement; and
WHEREAS, rewards often encourage public
cooperation essential to apprehend those who have committed serious offenses;
and
WHEREAS, the reward will be paid in accordance
with Penal Code section 1547.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby offer, effective immediately, a
reward in the amount of $50,000 for new information, voluntarily given
hereafter, leading to the arrest and conviction in a California court of the
person or persons responsible for setting the Humboldt
Fire.
IN WITNESS
WHEREOF, I have
hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be
affixed at Sacramento, California this 29th day of July
2008.
ARNOLD
SCHWARZENEGGER
Governor, State of California
ATTEST:
DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State
