Attorney General Jerry Brown speaks news conference disclose new developments in his prope of excessive salaries in the City of Bell, in Los Angeles Monday, July 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)Nick Ut
Governor Jerry Brown issued a state of emergency proclamation for the Rim Fire on Thursday afternoon.
“All agencies of the state government (must) utilize and employ state personnel, equipment, and facilities for the performance of any and all activities consistent with the direction of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the State Emergency Plan,” Gov. Brown proclaimed.
Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors requested a state of emergency on Wednesday, saying the fire was “now directly threatening various communities and businesses within the county and is beyond our capabilities.”
Gov. Brown’s proclamation will provide more firefighting resources on the front line and in the recovery effort. It will also aid the county in seeking federal disaster relief.
“This is a true disaster for the citizens of Tuolumne County,” said Senator Tom Berryhill, who also called about Gov. Brown to declare a state of emergency. “The fire continues to burn out of control, despite the best efforts of more than 1,000 firefighters. Tuolumne is not a wealthy county. All federal and state assistance will be needed to help cover the costs associated with a fighting a fire of this magnitude.”
The fire sparked Saturday, Aug. 17 and has continued to burn. At this point, more than 1,300 firefighters are battling the blaze. As of Thursday morning, 53,866 acres have been burned and the fire is 2 percent contained.
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