In response to the devastating Creek and Rye fires that have burned over 11,000 acres, impacting the City of Los Angeles and unincorporated county areas, a motion by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Sheila Kuehl was unanimously approved to ratify the proclamation of a local emergency which will be forwarded to the Governor’s office to access state and federal assistance.
“Our brave men and women of the Los Angeles County Fire Department are working tirelessly in coordination with other first responders to protect lives and property and stop the forward progress of the devastating fires,” said Supervisor Barger. “If you are impacted by this fire and asked to evacuate, I urge you to please comply for your safety and the safety of our first responders.”
Supervisor and Chair of the Board Sheila Kuehl said, “County agencies are doing everything they can to contain this dangerous fire. I thank all of our courageous County workers for their brave and tireless efforts, and I strongly urge every resident in the affected areas to act prudently and quickly in order to ensure their safety. The Board of Supervisors is making an urgent request of the Governor for additional support to bring this blaze under control as quickly as possible.”
This proclamation will remain in effect until terminated by the Board of Supervisors and all county departments and agencies are directed to continue providing assistance and monitoring efforts as applicable.
Currently, there are two evacuation centers:
Sunland Senior Center; 8640 Fenwick St., Sunland-Tujunga
Sylmar Recreation Center; 13109 Borden Ave, Sylmar
Large animals can be brought to Pierce College or the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.
MOTION BY SUPERVISORS KATHRYN BARGER AND SHEILA KUEHL
Beginning on the morning of December 5, 2017, conditions of disaster and extreme peril to the safety of persons and property arose as a result of the Creek Fire and the Rye Fire, which has created conditions that are beyond the control of local resources.
BASED UPON THE FOREGOING FACTS, AND PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54954.2(b)(2), WE MOVE THAT THE BOARD DETERMINE THAT:
1) There is a need to take immediate action to proclaim that a Local Emergency exists; and
2) That the need to take this action came to the attention of the Board subsequent to the posting of the agenda for today’s meeting.
WE, FURTHER, MOVE THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: 1) Approve the proclamation for the Creek Fire that began in the County of Los Angeles and moved to the City of Los Angeles on December 5, 2017. This proclamation shall remain in effect until its termination is proclaimed by the Board;
2) Approve the proclamation for the Rye Fire that began in the Santa Clarita Valley on December 5, 2017. This proclamation shall remain in effect until its termination is proclaimed by the Board;
3) Forward a copy of the proclamations to the Director of California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services with the request that the Director find them acceptable in accordance with State law; and request that a Governor’s Proclamation be provided under the California Disaster Assistance Act to include the assessment and ability to seek financial and all other relevant assistance from the State and Federal government; and
4) Direct County Departments to continue to implement all assessment, assistance and monitoring efforts as applicable.