Golden State Today

California is intensifying its efforts to combat severe fire weather in Southern California, as Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of over 300 additional firefighting personnel and 135 engines. These resources are strategically positioned across the region in anticipation of extreme winds expected through Wednesday. This move adds to an already significant response, with more than 15,000 personnel and nearly 1,900 pieces of equipment including fire engines, water tenders, aircraft, and bulldozers currently engaged.

Governor Newsom has ordered prepositioning across key counties such as Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego. CAL FIRE and federal agencies have also contributed by staging additional engines and other assets. The National Weather Service has classified the situation as a "Particularly Dangerous Situation," with strong winds forecasted for Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

"We aren’t out of the woods yet," stated Governor Gavin Newsom. "As we anticipate severe fire weather in the coming days, we are surging thousands of personnel and equipment to ensure the safety of our communities."

The state has been on high alert since October when multiple fires destroyed numerous structures across several counties. In response to these ongoing threats, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency and issued executive orders while President Biden approved a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support recovery efforts.

Californians are urged to stay prepared by creating evacuation plans, packing essential items in a go-bag, checking on vulnerable neighbors, signing up for emergency alerts at ca.gov/LAFires, and seeking assistance if needed.

Residents affected by wildfires can apply for disaster assistance online or via phone through FEMA's services available in multiple languages.