Cal OES – Cal OES Newsroom

Governor Brown Signs Executive Order to Assist Response, Recovery Agencies Battling Detwiler Fire in Mariposa County

Brad Alexander Jul 20, 2017 5:41 pm

Today, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed Executive Order B-41-17 to assist response and recovery agencies involved in battling the Detwiler Fire burning in Mariposa County. The entire text of the Executive Order is available below and at the Governor’s Office webpage.

WHEREAS on July 18, 2017, I proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in Mariposa County due to the effects of the Detwiler Fire; and

WHEREAS the Detwiler Fire has rapidly burned tens of thousands of acres of land and continues to burn; and

WHEREAS this fire has destroyed structures and continues to threaten homes, necessitating the continued evacuation of thousands of residents; and

WHEREAS this fire has damaged power, water, and communication infrastructure, and has forced the closure of roadways; and

WHEREAS under the July 18, 2017, State of Emergency Proclamation, pursuant to the provisions of … continue reading »

Tags: Cal OES, fire, Governor Brown, oes, recovery, Rescue, response, wildfire

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Cal OES Director Secures Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to Assist Response Agencies Battling the Detwiller Fire in Mariposa County

Brad Alexander Jul 17, 2017 8:56 pm

Photo of Mark Ghilarducci — Mark Ghilarducci, Director Governor’s Office of Emergency Services

California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Director Mark Ghilarducci today secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the Detwiller Fire burning in Mariposa County. The FMAG also enables local, state and tribal agencies to recover eligible costs.

Thus far, the fire has burned approximately 11,000 acres, threatening structures near the areas of Hornitos, Bear Valley and Bagby. Cal OES is working with CAL FIRE and Mariposa County to mobilize multiple fire strike teams and firefighters as well as fire engines, dozers, water tenders and fire … continue reading »

Tags: Cal OES, california, detwiller, fire, FMAG, Ghilarducci, Governor Brown, oes, recovery, response, wildfire

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California’s Fire Mutual Aid System Mobilizing Hundreds of Resources to Wildfires Throughout the State

Brad Alexander Jul 15, 2017 12:30 pm

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 15, 2017) — California’s firefighting mutual aid system continues working at full speed this weekend sending firefighters and resources from across the state to join the battle at 12 major wildfires threatening dozens of communities at both ends of the state. As of Saturday, there were more than 400 engines, four dozen aircraft and over 7,000 personnel working on wildfires that have already burned as much as 159,000 acres statewide.

“Our tried-and-true mutual aid system is working just as designed. We’re strategically deploying a lot of resources to these wildfires regardless of where they’re burning,” said Mark Ghilarducci, Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. “Our number one priority is to protect lives and property using the most effective combination of local, state and federal resources through a unified effort,” said … continue reading »

Tags: Cal OES, california, director, fire, Ghilarducci, Governor Brown, mutual aid, oes, Santa Barbara, wildfire, Zagaris

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California’s Fire & Rescue Mutual Aid System Working To Battle Season’s Biggest Wildfires

Jonathan Gudel Jul 11, 2017 10:50 am

Photo of Asst. Chief Brian Woodbeck and Kim Zagaris

Swinging into action for yet another season, teams of specially-trained firefighters from across the state are being strategically deployed to the state’s biggest wildfires. Currently, eight menacing wildfires are actively burning across the state, with more than half of those in the Central and Southern regions alone.

These fires are requiring the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to put the California Mutual Aid System to work.

“Every year we’re playing an important strategy game, constantly tracking resources and monitoring the temperatures, winds and fuel conditions all over the state,” said Mark Ghilarducci, Director of Cal OES. “Our mutual aid system relies heavily on the good faith efforts of local government agencies who have always responded to calls for help without hesitation. We’re proud of the system because it’s proven to be the most effective … continue reading »

Tags: CAL FIRE, Cal OES, California Mutual Aid System, California National Guard, mutual aid, State of emergency, wildfires, Woodbeck, Zagaris

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Cal OES Director Secures Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to Assist Response Agencies Battling Wall Fire in Butte County

Brad Alexander Jul 9, 2017 6:01 pm

California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Director Mark Ghilarducci today secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the Wall Fire burning in Butte County. The FMAG also enables local, state and tribal agencies to recover eligible costs.

Thus far, the fire has burned approximately 5,000 acres, threatening structures near the areas near Bangor, Kelly Ridge and Oroville. Cal OES is working with Cal FIRE and Butte County to mobilize multiple fire strike teams and firefighters including fire engines, dozers, water tenders and fire retardant drops from aircraft as well as shelter operations staff and emergency communications capability. Statewide, about 200 local government and another 40 Cal OES fire engines have been mobilized to assist wildfire activity.

Cal OES Fire, Law Enforcement and Inland … continue reading »

Tags: CAL FIRE, Cal OES, fire, Ghilarducci, season

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HQ Then and Now, Holy Cow!

Shawn Boyd Apr 19, 2017 4:20 pm

If you ever become complacent with your work environment, or a little miffed that some of the changes you’d hoped to see haven’t happened yet, then this story is for you. If you’ve ever traveled to other government buildings, state or otherwise, then you know how bad those facilities can be (one particular office in Auburn stands out in my mind!) One more “if”: if you happened to have worked in the old Cal OES headquarters, like Deputy Director Grace Koch, then you know how wonderful this modern, open and sunlit building is.

Cal OES headquarters has come a long, long way. Just watch this short video and see for yourself, and keep this one in mind while you watch. And consider embracing Grace’s philosophy about her time spent in the old HQ. Enjoy the trip … continue reading »

Tags: Cal OES, California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, facilities, facility, head quarters, HQ

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Knowing Before Feeling the Shake, Rattle and Roll of an Earthquake

Shawn Boyd Apr 11, 2017 4:38 pm

This is Episode 27 and today’s is Earthquake Early Warning Deputy Director of Planning, Preparedness and Prevention, Tina Curry talks about Earthquake Early Warning. As the Deputy Director of Planning, Preparedness and Prevention, Tina Curry oversees the Cal OES Earthquake and Tsunami program.

The Cal OES Planning and Preparedness Branch develops and maintains state-level emergency plans and guidance that engage the whole community by using an all-hazards planning process that represents the actual stakeholders from the community, both local and state government leaders, nongovernmental organizations and the private sector.

This branch also includes the Earthquake Early Warning Division and Tina explains in this episode the benefits EEW will bring to the state. She also describes where we are in the process of having a functional system, how much it will cost, and how warnings will be delivered to the public.