Newsom Proclaims State of Emergency for Three More Counties

Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for Alpine, Amador and Placer counties due to the Caldor Fire, which has forced the evacuation of thousands of residents including significant portions of South Lake Tahoe. Last month, the governor proclaimed a state of emergency for El Dorado County due to the fire.

“It is imperative that residents in the impacted areas stay safe and prepare to evacuate immediately if called for by local authorities. We thank all the heroic firefighters and first responders working around the clock to combat this rapidly spreading fire and to protect local communities across California this fire season,” said Newsom.

The governor also signed an executive order to support the state’s wildfire response and recovery efforts. Among other provisions, the order allows the waiver of regulations so hospitals and other health facilities impacted by the fires can continue to provide care and services, and allows U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel to assist in removing hazardous debris from private properties damaged by fire.

The White House recently approved California’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration, including supports available to wildfire-impacted residents and assistance for state, tribal and local governments with ongoing emergency response and recovery costs. California also recently secured Fire Management Assistance Grants to support the state’s response to the Dixie, French, Caldor, Monument, River and Lava fires.

Newsom has activated the state operations center to its highest level and proclaimed a state of emergency in counties impacted by the Caldor, McFarland, Monument, Antelope, River, Dixie, Fly, Tamarack, Lava and Beckwourth Complex fires.