California Governor Calls for State of Emergency in Response to Thompson Fire

Governor Gavin Newsom and fire officials showcased California's improved community protection capabilities this week.Photo byOffice of Governor Gavin Newsom

By Kristy Tallman, July 3, 2024

SACRAMENTO – With significantly more wildfire activity this year, Governor Gavin Newsom joined fire officials this week to highlight the state's enhanced capabilities to protect communities.

This is the first full fire season that California is utilizing an expanded aerial fleet and new technology. The state continues to expand its aerial firefighting force, which is the largest in the world, and leverage new technologies to support its firefighting capabilities.

As part of the Governor's California Climate Commitment, the recently signed 2024 budget agreement maintains $2.6 billion over seven years, from 2021-22 through 2027-28, to protect Californians from wildfires and improve forest health. This is in addition to $200 million per year for healthy forest and fire prevention programs, including prescribed fire and other fuel reduction projects.

Earlier today, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Butte County to support the response to the Thompson Fire, which has burned more than 3,500 acres and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents. CAL FIRE has deployed some of the new assets, including the night-flying Firehawk helicopters, to help fight the Thompson Fire.

Fire officials said Thursday they have made substantial progress in stopping the forward progress of the massive Thompson wildfire.Photo byOffice of Governor Gavin Newsom

“We’re seeing much more wildfire activity so far this year than we have in recent years. Fortunately, California is ready. With the largest aerial firefighting force in the world and new technology backed by AI, we’re protecting communities in ways never done before,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

A boat crosses Lake Oroville with a smoldering hillside beyond it Wednesday as the Thompson fire burns in Oroville.Photo byNoah Berger / Associated Press

The Governor and state officials are also urging Californians to take this week’s dangerous heat wave seriously, with temperatures above 110 degrees in many areas of the state.

Visit ready.ca.gov for resources and safety tips on wildfire, heat, and other natural disasters.

New Aircraft, Night-Flying Capabilities, and Expanded Drone Deployment Are Some of the Ways California is Keeping Communities SafePhoto byOffice of Governor Gavin Newsom

Ways California is Keeping Communities Safe from Wildfire

New Aircraft, Night-Flying Capabilities, and Expanded Drone Deployment

• Expansion of Helitack Bases: Five additional helitack bases have completed training and qualifications for night flying, bringing the total to eight bases equipped for night operations.
• Night-Flying Aircraft: Activated in response to many wildfires this year.
• Contracted Aircraft: Adding to CAL FIRE’s permanent fleet of over 60 aircraft, including 20 additional helicopters and 4 airplanes, five of which are night-flying capable.
• Drone Deployment: CAL FIRE currently operates 159 unmanned aerial systems, doubling their use for aerial ignition, support of prescribed burns, and wildfire containment.
• C-130 Aircraft: Ongoing transfer and outfitting of seven C-130 aircraft from the federal government.

Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS): Mapping wildfire info in real-time.Photo byOffice of Governor Gavin Newsom

Harnessing Recent Innovations

• Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS): Mapping wildfire info in real-time.
• Tecnosylva Wildfire Projection Tool: Predicting wildfire spread.
• Partnership with Department of Defense: Using satellites to map wildfires.
• LiDAR Investments: Creating detailed, 3-D maps of over 30 million acres of topography and vegetation in high-risk areas.
• Wildfire Threat Intelligence Center (WFTIC): Serving as California’s integrated hub for wildfire and weather intelligence.

Giving Every Californian Access to Real-Time Wildfire Intelligence

• Fire.ca.gov Website: Providing real-time information, including total emergency response, wildfires, acres burned, fatalities, and structure damage.
• Integration of ALERTCalifornia Cameras: Allowing anyone to view real-time aircraft tracking.
• Comprehensive Incident Map: Showing fires over 10 acres in real-time.

By Kristy Tallman, July 3, 2024

The Republic News

Source: Governor's Press Office

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