News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Governor Declares State of Emergency (Update)

Governor Declares State of Emergency (Update)

Request Made by Board of Supervisors Chair Paul Biane

By Michael P. Neufeld
Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Update – Wednesday 3:55 p.m.

Sacramento, CA – At the request of the County Board of Supervisors, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County due to fires that have burned along the Interstate 215 corridor in the City of San Bernardino and in other areas of the county.

Assemblyman Anthony Adams (R-Hesperia) praised the governor's declaration in a news release today distributed to RIMOFTHEWORLD.net:

"As wildfires continue to burn throughout San Bernardino County, I commend Governor Schwarzenegger for declaring a State of Emergency for San Bernardino County, opening up state resources to help local agencies fight the blazes and recover from their devastating affects. We have learned from experience that the best thing we can do is be prepared. The governor's actions today put us in a better position to respond swiftly and effectively to any potential threats, saving lives and homes. As the brave men and women battle the fires, I ask that the community join me in keeping their safety in our thoughts and prayers."

Original Story

San Bernardino, CA – San Bernardino County Supervisors and Chairman Paul Biane have proclaimed a local state of emergency in response to Santa Ana winds

"When the Santa Ana winds are blowing in San Bernardino County," Biane, who represents the second district, including Crestline, stated, "we can't wait for a major wildfire to declare a local state of emergency," he said in a prepared statement. We have to make the proclamation now so we're prepared to respond with full force to any fires that do break out."

Second District Supervisor Paul Biane (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

A copy of Supervisor Biane's proclamation will be sent to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in Sacramento requesting that he proclaim a state of emergency so state resources will be available to help fight fires. If the governor allows the request, it will make it easier for local and county fire agencies to recover costs associated with suppressing the fires.

The county's media release explains that the County of San Bernardino has historically experienced multiple wildfires caused by such extreme fire and wind conditions propelled by Santa Ana winds, such as the Grass Valley and Slide Fires in 2007 and the Old and Grand Prix Fires in 2003.

Jurisdictions proclaim a local emergency when circumstances of a disaster are, or are likely to be, beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of any single county, and require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to combat.