Gov. Gavin Newsom visited Kern County on July 30 to assess the damage from the ongoing Borel fire and announced that he signed an emergency proclamation allowing expedited state-funded resources and supplies to continue suppression efforts.
The fire—which has been absorbed into the larger SQF Lightning Complex fire affecting nearly 90,000 acres in Kern and Tulare counties—was 17 percent contained July 30.
“After years and years of drought and then two very, very wet rainy seasons, the early grass, the brush—this was anticipated, this was exactly what we imagined,” Mr. Newsom said during a press conference Tuesday.
The proclamation will make additional emergency resources available and allow more California National Guard members to assist with emergency efforts.
Mr. Newsom highlighted more Cal Fire hires since he became governor and lauded the state’s investment in new technology—particularly night vision—that has allowed fire crews to work longer.
He also asked residents near the fire to take evacuation orders seriously.
“You can replace a home, but you can’t replace a life,” he said.
The Borel fire response comes amid the ongoing Park fire in Tehama and Butte counties—about two hours north of Sacramento—which had grown to over 600 square miles July 30.
The governor also thanked Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for deploying help for California’s blazes.
The state has sent more than 100 firefighters and emergency personnel, over 25 fire engines, command vehicles, and equipment to California to assist first responders’ efforts, according to Mr. Abbott’s office.
“Greg Abbott, I’ve gotta say, means a lot to us because he’s been there consistently for us,” Mr. Newsom said.
