Garamendi Proclaims State Of Emergency For Big Meadow Fire
Yosemite, CA – Acting Governor John Garamendi is proclaiming a State of Emergency due to the Big Meadow Fire in the community of Foresta.
The proclamation states, "It is hereby ordered that all agencies in 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 California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) and the State Emergency Plan, and that CalEMA provide local government assistance under the authority of the California Disaster Assistance Act."
Mariposa County officials requested a State Of Emergency through the Governor’s Office in order to receive additional resources. Garamendi is the acting Governor as Arnold Schwarzenegger is out of state attending the late Senator Ted Kennedy’s funeral.
The Big Meadow Fire has burned over 3,500 acres, threatened homes, closed roads, and forced evacuations. It started as a prescribed burn this past Wednesday and quickly got out of control.
Written by bjhansen@mlode.com.
