Sep 11, 2024

Governor Newsom proclaims state of emergency in response to Bridge and Airport fires, visits Line Fire Incident Command Post

HIGHLAND – As the state continues to mobilize personnel and resources in the ongoing response to Southern California wildfires, Governor Gavin Newsom today traveled to Southern California and proclaimed a state of emergency in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties in response to the Bridge Fire and in Orange and Riverside counties in response to the Airport Fire.

The Governor traveled to Highland, where he was briefed at the Line Fire Incident Command Post and visited neighborhoods on the edge of the Line Fire. The Governor was also briefed by CAL FIRE and emergency response officials on the ongoing response to the Bridge and Airport fires in Southern California.

California has secured federal assistance to support the response to the fast-moving Bridge, Airport and Line fires, which ignited in the last week, burning predominantly on federal lands.

Governor Newsom in Highland today at Line Fire Incident Command Post

The state has mobilized a massive air and ground response to contain the wildfires and protect communities, including nearly 6,000 boots on the ground; hundreds of engines, dozers and water tankers; and 51 helicopters and 9 fixed-wing aircraft.

“California is deploying every available resource to combat these devastating fires, and we’ll continue to work in lockstep with federal and local partners in this herculean effort. We are deeply grateful to all the heroic firefighters and first responders on the ground working 24/7 to keep Californians safe.”

Governor Gavin Newsom

Downloadable B-roll video of the Governor’s visit to the Line Fire is available here.

A copy of today’s Bridge Fire and Airport Fire emergency proclamation can be found here. The Governor proclaimed a state of emergency in response to the Line Fire on Saturday.

Across multiple wildfires, the state and local agencies have deployed the following resources, including CAL FIRE, California National Guard, and Governor’s Office of Emergency Services personnel and equipment:

  • 5,755 total boots on the ground across 162 crews, including firefighters, soldiers and first responders
  • 51 helicopters
  • 9 fixed-wing aircraft, including 7 CAL FIRE aircraft and 2 National Guard C-130 aircraft
  • 520 fire engines
  • 75 dozers
  • 141 water tankers

Visit fire.ca.gov for real-time information on active fires and ready.ca.gov for information on how to prepare for emergencies and extreme weather.

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