CA Gov. Schwarzenegger Proclaims State of Emergency in Santa Barbara County Due to Jesusita Wildfire

05/06/2009 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today proclaimed a state of emergency in Santa Barbara County as a result of the Jesusita Wildfire which has burned over 400 acres, destroyed homes and caused the evacuation of over 8,000 people.

Earlier this week, the Governor signed an executive order which mobilizes the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and other state agencies to secure and deploy the additional resources and personnel that are necessary to save lives and protect homes statewide from wildfires.

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The text of the proclamation is below:

A PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY

WHEREAS on May 5, 2009, a wildfire started in Santa Barbara County, which is exacerbated by high winds and continues to burn; and

WHEREAS the fire has already burned over 400 acres with zero percent containment; and

WHEREAS the fire has already destroyed homes and caused the evacuation of over 8,000 people; and

WHEREAS this fire threatens several high power electrical lines in the area; and

WHEREAS I requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency grant a Fire Management Assistance Grant to ensure financial resources are available to fight the fire; and

WHEREAS on May 6, 2009, the County of Santa Barbara declared a local emergency due to this fire and requested that I proclaim a state of emergency; and

WHEREAS the circumstances of this fire, by reason of their magnitude, are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of any single county, city and county, or city and require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to combat; and

WHEREAS under the provisions of section 8558(b) of the California Government Code, I find that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist due to the wildfire in Santa Barbara County.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the state Constitution and statutes, including the California Emergency Services Act, and in particular, section 8625 of the California Government Code, HEREBY PROCLAIM A STATE OF EMERGENCY to exist within the County of Santa Barbara.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that all agencies of the state government utilize and employ state personnel, equipment and facilities for the performance of any and all activities consistent with the direction of the California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA) and the State Emergency Plan and that CalEMA provide local government assistance under the authority of the California Disaster Assistance Act.

I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this proclamation be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given of this proclamation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 6th Day of May 2009.

______________________________

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER

Governor of California

Source: California Governor