Gov. Newsom declares statewide emergency due to fire risk

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency due to the state's extreme weather related to the ongoing historic heat wave.

Newsom declared the emergency as the state stares down the possibility of extreme fire conditions made worse by the heat wave and forecasted high winds.

The emergency declaration clears the way for all resources to be made available to battle fires if needed.

“We are deploying every resource available to keep communities safe as California battles fires across the state during these extreme conditions,” said Newsom in a statement. “California and its federal and local partners are working in lockstep to meet the challenge and remain vigilant in the face of continued dangerous weather conditions.”

Earlier this week, Newsom and the State of California secured Fire Management Assistance Grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Those grants will help fund additional resources for fires burning in Napa, Nevada and Monterey counties.

The governor also signed an emergency proclamation related to specifically to the ongoing heat wave.

The text of the governor's proclamation can be found here.