SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring May 5-11, 2019 as “Wildfire Preparedness Week.” in the State of California.
The text of the proclamation is below:
PROCLAMATION
In the last four years, California has experienced 10 of the most destructive wildfires and four of the deadliest wildfires in the state’s history. In 2018, wildfires burned more than 1,846,000 acres, destroyed over 22,000 structures and tragically claimed 100 lives.
Climate change has created a new wildfire reality in California. Persistent drought, warmer temperatures and more severe winds have created conditions that will lead to more frequent and catastrophic fires. To meet this challenge, California must adopt an all-of-the-above approach to protecting public safety and maintaining the health of our forests.
On my first full day in office, I issued an order directing CAL FIRE to recommend immediate, medium- and long-term actions to help prevent destructive wildfires. CAL FIRE has identified 35 priority fuel reduction projects that collectively cover approximately 90,000 acres and, when complete, will help protect over 200 of the state’s most wildfire-vulnerable communities. California has also launched a $50 million California for All Emergency Preparedness Campaign to build resiliency among vulnerable populations through culturally and linguistically competent support for disaster preparedness.
A significant infusion of funding from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will make available $1 billion over the next five years, beginning this year, for active forestland management. In addition, my first budget includes significant enhancements for more year-round fire crews, as well as investments in greater use of technology and equipment for preventing and fighting wildfires.
Eleven million people – approximately a quarter of the state’s population – live in high fire-risk areas, including the Wildland–Urban Interface. Public education and up-to-date regional emergency planning will be key to making our communities more resilient to the impacts of wildfire and other extreme weather events. Californians can learn about steps to prepare for wildfire season and help prevent loss of life and property at www.ReadyForWildfire.org or the Ready for Wildfire mobile app.
NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim May 5-11, 2019 as “Wildfire Preparedness Week.”
GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor of California
ATTEST:
ALEX PADILLA
Secretary of State
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