Title
Adopt a resolution continuing for an additional sixty (60) days, the Proclamation of a Local Emergency for the 2026 Late August Fire Weather and Wildfire Events that started on August 8, 2026.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors: Adopt a resolution continuing for an additional sixty (60) days, the Proclamation of a Local Emergency for the 2026 Late August Fire Weather and Wildfire Events that started on August 8, 2026.
SUMMARY:
The Timber and Plasket Fires continue to burn in the County of Monterey, creating a local emergency as detailed in the resolution.
DISCUSSION:
A local emergency related to the Timber Fire was proclaimed on August 10, 2026, and ratified on August 11, 2026. A local emergency related to the Timber and Plaskett Fires, known as the “2026 Late August Fire Weather and Wildfire Events” was proclaimed on August 28, 2026, and ratified on September 1, 2026. This is the first continuation resolution of the combined emergency declarations.
Pursuant to California Government Code section 8630, subdivision (a), and Monterey County Code section 2.68.025 the County Administrative Officer may proclaim the existence of a local emergency when the County is affected by or threatened to be affected by a public calamity. The Government Code requires that an emergency proclamation be ratified by the Board of Supervisors within 7 days of its issuance and be reviewed at least once every (60) days until the emergency is terminated.
The County requested that the Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and the Governor of California, pursuant to the Emergency Services Act, issue a proclamation declaring an emergency in the County of Monterey related to the 2026 Late August Weather and Wildfire Events,” also known as the “2026 August Big Sur Wildfires” and requested recovery assistance under the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) and under the Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Declaration. The County also requested the Governor suspend State statues, rules, regulations to the extent necessary to ensure expedited implementation of post wildfire debris flow mitigation. Further, the County requested CalOES initiate a Watershed Task Force, an Isolated Community Response Task Force, and a Tourism and Agriculture Economic Recovery Task Force.
This resolution authorizes the Director of Emergency Management to execute all necessary contracts, including non-standard agreements, to obtain supplies, equipment and such other items found lacking and needed for the protection of life and property and to bind the county for fair value thereof or commandeer for public use as may be required, with approval from the Office of County Counsel for agreements under two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000).
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
Numerous County departments and other agencies have participated in the response to the emergency including the Department of Emergency Management, County Administrative Office, Public Works, Facilities, and the Monterey County Water Resources Agency.
FINANCING: While this proclamation of local emergency does not impact the General Fund at this time, ongoing emergency response continues to draw upon existing reserves intended for unforeseen events, current expenditures related to this incident have reduced the Department of Emergency Management’s Emergency Operation Center reserve budget and will impact its ability to respond to future emergencies, including anticipated winter storm activity. As the current emergency activity progresses, staff may return to the Board with a request to replenish the affected reserve funds to ensure continued operational readiness for future emergencies.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This report and resolution are aligned with the Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals regarding Safe and Resilient Communities. The Monterey County Corde of Ordinances, Title 2 - Administration, Chapter 2.68- Emergency Procedures and Organization, Section 2.68.025 - Local Emergency Proclamation - empowers the County Administrative Officer to request the Board of Supervisors to proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a "local emergency."
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
X Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Administrative [Include one or two sentences referencing the Ordinance, Code, Board Order/Resolution, etc. in relation to this selection]
If does not fall under any of the above Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals (Other):
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: Maria Trujillo, Administrative Secretary, x1905
Approved by: Laura Emmons, Emergency Services Manager x1992
Approved by: Michael Beaton, Assistant County Administrative Officer, x3835
Attachments:
Attachment A: Draft Resolution