Fire Emergency Declared in Two California Counties
With the Valley Fire quickly growing to 40,000 acres Sunday and mandatory evacuations under way, Gov. Brown declared a state of emergency in Lake and Napa counties.
California Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued an emergency proclamation Sept. 13 for Lake and Napa counties because of the Valley Fire, which quickly expanded to 40,000 acres, forcing mandatory evacuations. There are 1,255 fire personnel with 157 fire engines, four air tankers, and 10 helicopters in support now fighting the blaze, according to a Sept. 14 CAL Fire (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) update.
The fire began Sept. 12 in Lake County and spread into Napa County. The latest update says it has expanded to 61,000 acres and is 5 percent contained.
Brown's proclamation says the fire has destroyed multiple structures, threatens hundreds of homes, and has forced the closure of major highways and local roads. A Federal Fire Management Assistance Grant has been requested and approved for the fire, it says.