Gov. Newsom visits Kern River Valley, proclaims emergency for Borel Fire devastations

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Governor Gavin Newsom visited the Kern River Valley Tuesday to announce he signed an emergency proclamation to secure additional state resources but also said he’s been in touch with President Biden and the White House to see what more federal resources can be secured.

“This was exactly how we imagined early part of the summer to be,” Newsom said.

The Borel Fire making its mark as the largest inferno in Kern’s history.

Governor Newsom said his proclamation – in addition to federal funds already granted– will help the physical clean-up and provide individual relief.

“So it relates to unemployment insurance, be able to fast track that access, as well as waiving any fees associated with getting any support, all of those component parts.”

On Tuesday, the Kern County Board of Supervisors also declared a state of emergency.

“It really just cuts out a lot of the red tape and opens up new streams of funding for the county,” Kern County District 1 Supervisor Phillip Peters said.

On-the-ground personnel includes the Kern County Fire Department, Cal Fire, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and more… including out-of-state aid as well, like from Texas.

Kern County Fire Department Captain Andrew Freeborn explained how the Borel Fire continues to spread. “On the edges. That fire moves through, and as it burns through it, it burns up those fuels and fire intensity diminishes. But where the fire edge is at, you’re still going to see plenty of fuel to burn.”

The historic town of Havilah, which the Governor visited, was destroyed by that intensity. First responders say with a fire like Borel, you can’t tackle it head on.

“So, as it’s moving in front of us, we start taking other tactical options in front of it to slow it down. Putting dozer lines in and out of the homes and communities or critical infrastructure,” Freeborn explained.

17 News will continue to provide you with updates on the Borel Fire.

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