Southern California Wildfires Prompt State of Emergency

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued states of emergencies in seven Southern California counties on Oct. 21 because of the ravaging wildfires in the area. Most of them began over the weekend.

Strong Santa Ana winds, which are warm, dry offshore winds that can gust up to 60 miles per hour, have been blamed for fueling the fires. One of the fires, the Canyon Fire has burned more than 800 acres, four homes, a church, and three other buildings. Power has gone out in areas along the Malibu coast, and Pepperdine University and other communities have been evacuated.

Gov. Schwarzenegger and state officials are doing what they can to fight the fires. “My administration is working closely with federal and local officials,” he said in a news release. “We will continue to mobilize the necessary resources to fight all of these fires.”

Other wildfires burning in the area include the Ranch and Sessions fires, the Sedgewick Fire, the El Cajon Fire, and the Witch Fire.

More than 1150 personnel have been sent out to take on the fires. Among these personnel are Cal Fire strike team engines and aircraft, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services fire engines, and federal government and County and City of Los Angeles fire resources.

“I am continuously receiving briefings on the situation and have committed to sending additional personnel and equipment, if needed, as well as setting up evacuation centers to help those who have been displaced from their homes,” Schwarzenegger said. “I commend those individuals who have acted quickly to evacuate from the dangerous areas for the safety of themselves and their families.”

Source: California Office of the Governor news release

Posted: Monday, October 22, 2007 12:00:00 AM. Modified: Monday, October 22, 2007 12:43:05 PM.

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