Sacramento, California - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued an emergency proclamation for Los Angeles County due to the effects of the Creek and Rye fires, which have threatened critical infrastructure, destroyed homes and caused the evacuation of residents.

Earlier today, Governor Brown issued an emergency proclamation for Ventura County due to the effects of the Thomas Fire.

PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY

WHEREAS on December 5, 2017, the Creek and the Rye Fires began burning in Los Angeles County and continue to burn; and 

WHEREAS these fires have destroyed homes and other structures and continue to threaten thousands of homes, necessitating the evacuation of more than a thousand residents; and

WHEREAS these fires are threatening critical infrastructure and have forced the closure of roadways; and

WHEREAS extreme weather conditions including strong winds have further increased the spread of these fires; and

WHEREAS the Federal Emergency Management Agency has granted Fire Management Assistance Grants to assist with the mitigation, management, and control of the Creek and Rye Fires; and

WHEREAS the circumstances of these fires, by reason of their magnitude, are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of any single local government and require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to combat; and

WHEREAS under the provisions of section 8558(b) of the Government Code, I find that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist in Los Angeles County due to the Creek Fire and Rye Fire.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the State Constitution and statutes, including the California Emergency Services Act, and in particular, section 8625 of the Government Code, HEREBY PROCLAIM A STATE OF EMERGENCY to exist in Los Angeles County.

I HEREBY ORDERED THAT all agencies of the state government utilize and employ state personnel, equipment, and facilities for the performance of any and all activities consistent with the direction of the Office of Emergency Services and the State Emergency Plan. Also, all residents are to heed the advice of emergency officials with regard to this emergency in order to protect their safety.

I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this proclamation be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given of this proclamation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 5th day of December 2017.

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EDMUND G. BROWN JR.
Governor of California

ATTEST:

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ALEX PADILLA
Secretary of State