A state of emergency has been declared by Governor Gavin Newsom for Siskiyou County as a result of the McKinney Fire, which has destroyed homes, endangered crucial infrastructure, and evacuated nearly 2,000 people. The McKinney Fire has burned over 29,500 acres since it started, intensified and spread by dry fuels, extreme drought conditions, high temperatures, winds, and lightning storms.
The China 2 and Evans fires, two additional fires in Siskiyou County, have combined to burn more than 300 acres and have prompted evacuation orders for more than 200 locals.
When a crisis is in progress, a state of emergency allows for more flexibility, including the suspension of regulatory laws that might obstruct emergency response and recovery efforts. It also facilitates obtaining federal funding and releasing some state resources. The Emergency Management Assistance Compact is also activated by this proclamation, enabling firefighters from other states to assist Californian crews in putting out fires.
Here is a link to the emergency declaration from today.
In order to combat the quickly spreading fire, CAL FIRE and Cal OES Fire and Rescue personnel are collaborating with state, local, and federal agencies. The State Operations Center is actively managing emergency management requirements, dispatching mutual aid, and coordinating the state’s fire response.
