Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has issued an Executive Order, which boosts the state’s preparedness for wildfire season and directs the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to immediately mobilize critical firefighting resources and personnel in an effort to save lives and homes statewide.
“This year’s fire season has already begun,” Governor Schwarzenegger said. “We need every firefighting resource and tool on ready alert, so we can spring to action when disaster strikes. The Executive Order gives CAL FIRE the ability to increase staffing and pre-deploy equipment in anticipation of extreme and threatening fire weather.”
The Governor also directed state agencies, including the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, California National Guard, California Conservation Corps and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to coordinate their actions with federal and local agencies, maximizing California’s fire prevention and fighting capabilities.
Yesterday’s Executive Order follows a previous letter to the President requesting that federal Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) capabilities be made available for this wildfire season. Earlier this week, the Governor issued a proclamation declaring May 4-10, 2008 “Wildfire Awareness Week.”
