California Gov. Gavin Newsom declares state of emergency as destructive Southern California fires rage
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for the Pacific Palisades after a massive wildfire erupted on Tuesday, quickly growing to engulf more than 2,900 acres and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate.
The fire was first reported at around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning and quickly grew to engulf hundreds of acres while fueled by one of the strongest Santa Ana wind events to hit Southern California in the last decade.
By 6:30 p.m. Los Angeles Fire Department crews said that the blaze had engulfed more than 2,900 acres with room to continue its growth as the winds remained a threat through Thursday evening.
Gov. Newsom was on hand in Los Angeles at a press conference with local officials as they discussed the severity of the fire, paired with the windstorm.
"This is a highly dangerous windstorm that's creating extreme fire risk – and we're not out of the woods. We're already seeing the destructive impacts with this fire in Pacific Palisades that grew rapidly in a matter of minutes," Newsom said in a statement. "Our deepest thanks go to our expert firefighters and first responders who jumped quickly into fighting this dangerous fire. If you're in Southern California, please pay attention to weather reports and follow any guidance from emergency officials."
The declaration of emergency, which was secured through approval from the Federal Emergency Management Assistant Grant, will allow for "local, state, and tribal agencies responding to the fire to apply for 75 percent reimbursement of their eligible fire suppression costs," Newsom's release said.
President Joe Biden also shared a statement on the fire late Tuesday, noting that he was being frequently briefed on the status of the blaze.
"My team and I are in touch with state and local officials, and I have offered any federal assistance that is needed to help suppress the terrible Pacific Palisades fire. Earlier tonight, FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to support areas that are impacted and help reimburse the state of California for the immediate firefighting costs. My Administration will do everything it can to support the response," said Biden's statement, in part.
Later Tuesday, another major brush fire erupted in Los Angeles County, in the Eaton Canyon area just north of Altadena. It forced thousands more evacuations and similarly garnered a federal request for support from state officials. It was approved by FEMA as the blaze approached 400 acres.
Yet another blaze, dubbed the Hurst Fire, broke out hours later in the Sylmar area, which has already burned more than 500 acres of brush and prompted evacuation orders for more than 44,000 people. As such, Gov. Newsom again secured federal assistance from FMAG early Wednesday morning.
In response to the massive fire, LAFD asked all off-duty firefighters to contact their Department of Communications, by calling (213) 576-8962, to report availability in assisting with the firefight.
