California Governor Jerry Brown declared on Friday, July 30 that the state has been placed under the state of emergency following the massive wildfires blazing left and right. The said announcement is meant to expedite rescue missions and management processes, according to Brown. He also tapped the California National Guard to aid with the overall disaster recovery.
On Sunday, Aug. 2, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocated a grant to California so that the most essential tools and resources needed for the continuous abolishment of the fires in Lake County may be guaranteed, says Mark Ghilarducci, director of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. Through the said grant, the different federal, state and other agencies helping to dissolve the fires may be assisted to file for reimbursement of approved fire-abolition expenses.
The "Rocky fire," started on Wednesday, July 29 near the Clear Lake shore, which is approximately 110 miles northwest of Sacramento. The said initial blaze sparked a bigger fire that caused more and more firefighters to come to the rescue and brave the rough terrain to safeguard the residents of rural communities.
The rescue mission was a testament of the authorities' dedication to suppress the fire as Engine Capt. David Ruhl, from South Dakota died on Thursday, July 30. He was then inside his vehicle, figuring out how to put the fire to a halt in the Modoc National Forest, which is situated approximately 100 miles south of Oregon. His colleagues were communicating with him at that moment but eventually lost contact, says Ken Sandusky, a fire information officer. His remains were found the following day.
On Saturday, Aug. 1, the "rocky fire" continued as about 20,000 acres of scrub oak and brush were destroyed by the fire within five hours - something a fire official described as an "unprecedented fire growth under a short period of time."
On Sunday, Aug. 2, another 7,000 acres of land in the Northern Coast Ranges were also set aflame, officials said.
All in all, the blaze, which blackened approximately 54,000 acres east of Lower Lake, may be considered as the most severe out of all the 20 extensive wildfires being fought by some 9,000 firefighters all around the state. Nonetheless, the officials reported that the fire containment percentage within the two days of wildfire surge was five percent.
Authorities have issued evacuation orders to more than 12,000 individuals, mandating them to leave their homes for safety.
Photo: Rennett Stowe | Flickr
