California governor declares statewide emergency over fires

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Sunday declared a statewide emergency amid widespread fires in combination with high winds in the state.

“I have declared a statewide emergency. We’re deploying every resource available as we continue to respond to these fires and unprecedented high-winds,” Newsom tweeted. “If you live in an affected area, please stay safe, alert, and heed all warnings from local officials.”

{mosads}The declaration comes as 30,000 acres in Sonoma County thus far have been burned by the Kincade Fire, leading to the evacuation of nearly 200,000 people. In the southern part of the state, the Tick Fire has similarly prompted tens of thousands of evacuations, Newsom said in a statement.

“We are deploying every resource available, and are coordinating with numerous agencies as we continue to respond to these fires,” Newsom said. “It is critical that people in evacuation zones heed the warnings from officials and first responders, and have the local and state resources they need as we fight these fires.”

I have declared a statewide emergency.

We’re deploying every resource available as we continue to respond to these fires and unprecedented high-winds.

If you live in an affected area, please stay safe, alert, and heed all warnings from local officials. https://t.co/w0Ft19lR3j

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) October 27, 2019

Meanwhile, Pacific Gas & Electric has cut power to millions due to the Kincade Fire. The private utility has said the outages will affect about 940,000 homes and businesses in 36 counties.

“I’m seeing people reporting that they’re going to stay and fight this fire,” Sonoma County Sheriff Mark Essick said. “You cannot fight this. Please evacuate.”