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 Friday, 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. Extremely dry conditions caused by prolonged drought have coupled with years of underbrush growth created 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 officials; county, State and federal fire, law, and emergency services; American Red Cross, SPCA, CERT, and other volunteer and private sector assets. The fire, which is 92% contained at this time, has burned over 129,000 acres and destroyed numerous s...
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