As part of his ongoing commitment to emergency preparedness, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued Executive Order S-12 -09 (EO) to reinforce California’s vigilance in protecting lives and property from wildfire. The EO directs the Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) to ensure that recommendations made by the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Fire Commission, established after California’s catastrophic 2003 wildfire siege, continue to be implemented.
“As we head into the third straight fire season during a drought, California must be prepared to fight devastating wildfires any time of year,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “The state did a great job in quickly responding last year when California was engulfed by 2,000 fires and, with today’s action, we will ensure the state continues to be as prepared as possible when any disaster strikes.”
The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Fire Commission was established in November 2003 by both Governor Schwarzenegger and Governor Gray Davis. In April 2004, the Commission issued 48 recommendations for improving emergency preparedness to prevent and respond to California wildfires.
California has made significant progress in meeting the Commission’s recommendations. More than 100 new engines have been purchased to replace aging CAL FIRE engines; more than 42 new engines have been purchased to replace aging California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) engines; and, 19 additional new engines have been purchased by Cal EMA. The BRTF will work to ensure the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Fire Commission recommendations continue to be implemented.
Additionally today, Governor Schwarzenegger announced the two co-chairs and 14 members of the BRTF. He designated California Professional Firefighters President Lou Paulson and Alameda County Fire Chief Sheldon Gilbert as members and the two co-chairs, and designated State Fire and Rescue Chief Kim Zagaris, Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman, CDF Firefighter IAFF 2881 President Bob Wolf, Ventura County Fire Chief Bob Roper, Orange County Fire Chief Chip Prather, CAL FIRE Director Del Walters, San Diego City Fire Chief Tracy Jarman, Assistant State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover, San Bernardino County Fire Chief Pat Dennen, California State Firefighters Association Member and Riverside City Fire Marshal Mike Esparza, United State Forest Service Region 5 Fire and Aviation Management Director Ed Hollenshead and Governor’s Office Public Safety Liaison Tom Sawyer as members of BRFT.
In preparation for this year’s fire season and dry summer, the Governor also issued Executive Order S-05-09 last month mobilizing the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to secure and deploy additional resources and personnel necessary to save lives and protect homes statewide from wildfires. He also issued a proclamation declaring May 2nd to 9th “Wildfire Awareness Week” to urge all Californians to do their part to prevent wildfires.
Story by Imperial Valley News
You must log in to post a comment.