Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Aid Wildfire Response and Recovery Across California

Governor Newsom previously declared a state of emergency in counties affected by these firesPhoto byJoanne FrancisonUnsplash

Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to bolster ongoing efforts to combat and recover from multiple wildfires currently burning across California. The order addresses critical needs related to the Thompson Fire in Butte County, the Park Fire in Butte and Tehama counties, the Borel Fire in Kern County, the Line Fire in San Bernardino County, the Bridge Fire spanning Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, and the Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties.

The executive order expedites debris removal and cleanup from the Borel, Park, and Thompson fires and ensures adequate staffing for emergency responses by waiving work hour limitations for retired annuitants responding to the Thompson and Line fires. It also supports local schools by waiving outdoor physical education requirements when air quality is impacted by fires.

Governor Newsom previously declared a state of emergency in counties affected by these fires, visiting Incident Command Posts to meet with first responders and assess the firefighting efforts firsthand. Additionally, California has secured Fire Management Assistance Grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure sufficient resources for fire suppression. The Governor has also requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to further assist recovery in communities affected by the Park and Borel fires.