SACRAMENTO – As California rapidly responds to active, rapidly evolving wildfires in Southern California caused by dangerous winds and dry conditions, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that more than 7,500 firefighting and emergency personnel have been deployed to protect California communities.
The Governor also issued an executive order to support communities affected by the ongoing fire.
Whereas these Los Angeles County fires, and windstorm conditions continue to threaten structures, homes, and critical infrastructure with over
170,000 residents under evacuation orders in Los Angeles County; and whereas these fires, and windstorm conditions have resulted in poor air quality
and significant impacts to schools, including closures and limited outdoor physical education; whereas on January 7, 2025, I proclaimed a State of Emergency
to exist in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties due to the Palisades Fire and windstorm conditions; and Whereas the Palisades Fire has burned over 15,000 acres and additional fires have ignited and spread rapidly in Los Angeles County, including the Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, and Woodley Fires; and now, therefore I, Gavin Newsom, Governor of the state of California, in accordance with the authority invested in me by the State Constitution, Vehicle Code sections requiring the imposition of fees, are suspended.
Such records shall be replaced without charge, requiring the timely registration or transfer of title, are suspended with regard to any
registration or transfer of title by any individual who is unable to comply with those requirements as a result of this emergency in Los Angeles
County … And, in order to directly respond to the needs of impacted adult and senior care facilities, or childcare facilities, the Director of CDSS
may waive any provisions of the Family Code, Health and Safety Code, or Welfare and Institutions Code.
I further direct that as soon as hereafter possible, this order be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice
be given of this order. This order is not intended to, and does not, create any rights or benefits, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity,
against the State of California, its agencies, departments, entities, officers, employees, or any other person.
California’s emergency response to wildfire impacts has involved nearly every part of the state government. Assistance on the ground includes:
Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) coordinating the state’s response through the activation of the State Operations Center, including the deployment of 1,040 firefighters and 260 fire engines through the state’s Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System.
Neighbor helping neighbor
California has requested and received commitments for 75 engines from Oregon, 45 engines from Washington, 5 engines from New Mexico, 10 engines from Utah and 25 engines from Idaho, accounting for hundreds of additional firefighters through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
Coordinating with local fire departments, county emergency managers and weather officials ahead of this extreme weather event, while increasing public messaging to encourage overall community resiliency.
Previously, Cal OES prepositioned 65 local government fire engines, 7 water tenders, 7 helicopters, 9 dozers and more than 105 specialized personnel in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties in advance of the wind event. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) 4,700+ firefighting personnel deployed, including local and federal partners.
Air assets include 6 air tankers and 31 helicopters 1,002 engines 138 hand crews, as well as equipment including 53 dozers and 23 water tenders
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)600 personnel mobilized to clear debris and handle traffic equipment power outages on two 12-hour shifts, including six maintenance stations without power and are mobilizing generator backups. Replenishing batteries that are servicing 40 traffic signals affected by power outages. California Highway Patrol (CHP)19 CHP officials deployed to embed with incident command. California National Guard (Cal Guard)
Also, 600+ Cal Guard service members and equipment deployed to support firefighting and law enforcement operations:2 hand crews assigned to CALFIRE already on incident, with another 8 crews deploying from Task Force Rattlesnake, 10 Rotary Wing Aircraft deployed, 2 C-130 airplanes staging for wildland firefighting operations California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
Working in partnership with Los Angeles County to ensure that residents have access to critical safety net benefits, including food benefits. 4 open shelters
with approximately 500 people currently sheltered. Distributing the state’s Guide to Disaster Assistance Services for Immigrant Californians, regardless of immigration status, within impacted communities.
