Newsom signs state of emergency to support California communities recovering from wildfires
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(CNN) — California Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday declared a state of emergency as thousands of firefighters continue battling three blazes that have destroyed homes across the state. Brown made the move to send resources to help communities across the state recover from the devastation by the California wildfires that have claimed the lives of at least 28 people.
Gov. Brown Signs State of Emergency for Cal Fire
Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday declared a state of emergency to support communities recovering from wildfires that have so far destroyed or damaged more than 2,000 homes.
“The fires are consuming lives and livelihoods, destroying homes and destroying thousands of lives,” Brown said.
He said California is looking forward to meeting with state and local agencies in order to address the need for assistance.
“This crisis will require the hard work and cooperation of government, business, faith organizations, and local communities to ensure we build homes, not burn them, and rebuild communities, not destroy them.”
As he has done in the past, Brown declared a state of emergency in order to allow emergency declarations that would allow the state to access money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
He said California will provide necessary resources to help with recovery efforts.
“At this moment, California’s resources are stretched too thin to be able to cope with the immediate demands on our State. I ask that the federal government provide the aid and assistance we need as the recovery moves ahead,” Brown said in a statement.
President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to slap a tax on California if the state doesn’t do more to help its struggling forest and logging industries.
“We’re going to have to charge you taxes,