Title
Extend the Proclamation of Local Emergency ratified July 26, 2016 in accordance with California Government Code ? 8630 to assist the operations of Monterey County in the response to and recovery from the Soberanes Fire which began on July 22nd, 2016 and continues uncontrolled as of this date.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors extend the Proclamation of Local Emergency ratified July 26, 2016 in accordance with California Government Code ? 8630 to assist the operations of Monterey County in the response to and recovery from the Soberanes Fire which began on July 22nd, 2016 and continues uncontrolled as of this date.
SUMMARY:
Pursuant to Section 2.68.060 of the Monterey County Code and Section 8630 of the Government Code, the County Administrative Officer or his designee, or the Board of Supervisors is empowered to proclaim the existence of a local emergency when the County is affected by a public calamity.
At approximately 8:30 am on Saturday, July 22nd, 2016 a fast moving wildfire broke out in the area of Monterey County and quickly destroyed numerous residences and hundreds of acres of valuable forest and watershed; and resulted in evacuations and displacement of residents, road closures, areas of isolation, damage to property, utility systems, and critical infrastructure. The Soberanes Fire is causing conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property from Carmel Highlands to Palo Colorado and Big Sur Communities and eastward to Rancho San Carlos/White Rock/Rancho San Clemente communities. Extremely dry conditions caused by prolonged drought have coupled with years of underbrush growth to create an extreme fire hazard and erratic fire behavior throughout the State of California, including Monterey County.
DISCUSSION:
Efforts to bring the wildfire under control and to assist the affected population with evacuation, care and shelter immediately involved county government and public works official...
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