Governor Gavin Newsom has implemented several measures in response to the fires affecting Los Angeles. He ordered pre-positioned firefighting personnel and assets on January 6, ahead of severe fire weather that began on January 7. This included deploying 110 engines and hundreds of firefighters across Southern California, with additional resources added on January 12.
In total, more than 16,000 personnel have been deployed, including firefighters, California National Guard service members, highway patrol officers, and transportation teams. The state’s fire response investment is at its highest level ever. Equipment includes over 1,490 engines, more than 80 aircraft, over 200 dozers, and more than 210 water tenders. Special Response Teams from the California Highway Patrol were also deployed to protect communities.
Governor Newsom activated over 2,500 California National Guard service members to assist firefighting operations and support law enforcement against looting. The activation followed an emergency proclamation issued on January 7.
A state of emergency was proclaimed by Governor Newsom on January 7 to aid communities affected by the fires. Two executive orders were also issued for response and recovery efforts.
The federal government has partnered with California at Governor Newsom’s request. President Biden approved a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support response efforts and expanded it to cover public facility repairs or replacements damaged by the fires.
In a call from the firestorm area, Governor Newsom requested President Biden for increased federal assistance covering all fire management and debris removal costs for six months instead of the usual three-quarters coverage.
Within a short time frame of twelve hours, three Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) were secured by Governor Newsom for critical resources needed in fighting the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires.
Recovery efforts are being launched swiftly under Governor Newsom’s direction. Tax relief measures have been introduced for those impacted by postponing tax filing deadlines for Los Angeles County taxpayers. An executive order was issued to expedite rebuilding homes and businesses by suspending certain permitting requirements under environmental laws.
Debris removal has been prioritized as part of recovery efforts with an executive order allowing federal hazmat crews to commence cleanup operations safely. The Governor is proposing $2.5 billion in additional funding for emergency responses and recovery initiatives in Los Angeles.
An executive order was signed by Governor Newsom to facilitate the return of displaced students to classrooms in Los Angeles while protecting victims from predatory real estate practices through another order aimed at preventing unsolicited property purchase offers.
