To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): County Counsel, Emergency Management
Staff Name and Phone Number: Elizabeth Coleman, Diana Gomez X2421
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Ratification of proclamation of local emergency due to the Kincade Fire, extreme fire danger weather and de-energization in the Sonoma County Operational Area.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a resolution ratifying the proclamation of local emergency in the Sonoma County Operational area due to the Kincade Fire, continuing extreme fire danger weather and anticipated additional de-energization of large portions of the electrical system in the County.
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Executive Summary:
This item requests the Board of Supervisors to adopt a resolution ratifying the proclamation of local emergency by the Director of Emergency Services due to the Kincade Fire that began on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, and extreme fire danger weather and de-energization in the Sonoma County Operational area. Sonoma County Code Chapter 10, article 1(b) provides authority for the Director of Emergency Services to issue a proclamation of local emergency if the Board of Supervisors is not in session, subject to ratification by the Board within 7 days. On October 24, 2019, at approximately 9:37 a.m., the Director of Emergency Services proclaimed the Existence of a Local Emergency.
Discussion:
Pacific Gas & Electric ("PG&E"), instituted de-energization in the Sonoma County Operational area beginning at approximately 2:15 pm on October 23, 2019 due to extreme fire danger weather. In response, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, to assist with managing the impacts of de-energization.
The Kincade Fire, a fast-moving wildland and urban fire erupted around 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, and has caused widespread destruction, including the loss of homes and structures.
The County initially issued advisory evacuation notices to impacted areas of Sonoma County and shortly thereafter, issued mandatory evacuation notices to several areas in the path of the fire. Shelter was made available at various locations throughout the County, and first responders have been actively engaged since the fire began.
The conditions of extreme peril caused by the Kincade Fire are exacerbated by the de-energization program of PG&E, which has impacted significant County and community operations, including critical public infrastructure and services, in the fire impacted areas, and which will require the provision of additional public safety and emergency services notwithstanding impaired response capability caused by the de-energization.
Another extreme fire danger weather event is projected to occur beginning on Saturday, October 26, 2019, and continuing thru Monday, October 28, 2019. PG&E is expected to de-energize a broader area of the Sonoma County Operational Area due to this extreme fire danger weather event, with potential impacts to over 600,000 County residences. This second weather event and further de-energization, coupled with the current Kincade Fire, have resulted in conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property will continue within the County because of the damage caused and ongoing threat of the Kincade Fire, and the potential for additional fires that could ignite in the County. This threat of damage is exacerbated by de-energization which could occur in areas of fire ignition and could limit Public Safety’s communication with the public and its response to these potential fires.
The Director of Emergency Services issued a Proclamation of Existence of Local Emergency in the Sonoma County Operational Area on Thursday, October 24, 2019. Ratifying the Proclamation will continue the local emergency, make available to the County/Operational Area state and local mutual aid, and allow for any state emergency funding if it is made available.
Staff recommends that the Board ratify the Director of Emergency Services proclamation of local emergency in order to meet the seven day period a proclamation can remain in force without
Board ratification. This emergency proclamation lasts for a duration of 60 days and may be extended by the Board for additional 60 day periods. When conditions improve, staff will request the Board formally terminate the emergency.
Prior Board Actions:
October 22, 2019, the Board of Supervisor’s passed a Resolution Ratifying the Proclamation of A Local Emergency Due To Potential PG&E De-Energization Of The Electrical Systems In The Sonoma County Operational Area.
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
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Attachments:
Resolution Ratifying Proclamation of Local Emergency
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None