California’s preparations to battle wildfires this year will not be slowed by the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Gavin Newson vowed Wednesday, saying the state will purchase specially equipped helicopters and fire engines and hire hundreds of additional firefighters.
With the traditional start of California’s official fire season just a couple weeks away, state officials also provided details about how emergency evacuations might be safely managed in the face of a highly-contagious virus.
Mark Ghilarducci, director of the state Office of Emergency Services, said fire evacuees who have tested positive for the virus would be sent to separate evacuation centers.
Flanked by the state’s fire chief and its emergency director, Newsom outlined millions in additional funding he will seek for fire and emergency response, despite what is projected be a $54 billion budget shortfall.
The number of wildfires in California has increased 68% since January compared to last year, although the acreage has been small: Some 1,135 fires have burned 1,317 acres since the start of the year, according to Cal Fire.
