Governor Newsom declares state of emergency due to Southern California wildfires

Governor Gavin Newsome | Twitter Website

As the state continues to mobilize personnel and resources in response to Southern California wildfires, Governor Gavin Newsom traveled to the region and proclaimed a state of emergency in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties due to the Bridge Fire, as well as in Orange and Riverside counties in response to the Airport Fire.

The Governor visited Highland, where he was briefed at the Line Fire Incident Command Post and toured neighborhoods on the edge of the Line Fire. He received updates from CAL FIRE and emergency response officials on efforts to manage the Bridge and Airport fires.

California has secured federal assistance to support its response to these fast-moving fires, which began last week predominantly on federal lands.

Governor Newsom stated, "California is deploying every available resource to combat these devastating fires, and we’ll continue to work in lockstep with federal and local partners in this herculean effort. We are deeply grateful to all the heroic firefighters and first responders on the ground working 24/7 to keep Californians safe."

The state has deployed a significant air and ground response involving nearly 6,000 personnel; hundreds of engines, dozers, water tankers; 51 helicopters; and nine fixed-wing aircraft.

Today’s proclamation supports ongoing efforts following federal assistance secured within the past 24 hours. First responders have been working around-the-clock to protect communities in Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, and surrounding mountain areas.

A downloadable B-roll video of Governor Newsom’s visit is available online. The emergency proclamation for today’s Bridge Fire and Airport Fire can also be accessed online. The Governor had previously declared a state of emergency for the Line Fire on Saturday.

Resources deployed across multiple wildfires include:

- 5,755 personnel across 162 crews

- 51 helicopters

- Nine fixed-wing aircraft (including seven CAL FIRE aircraft and two National Guard C-130s)

- 520 fire engines

- 75 dozers

- 141 water tankers

For real-time information on active fires, visit fire.ca.gov. For details on preparing for emergencies and extreme weather conditions, visit ready.ca.gov.