DATE: August 29, 2025
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Paul Nerland, County Administrative Officer/Emergency Services Director
SUBJECT: Proclamation and Ratification of the existence of a Local Emergency - 2025 Garnet Fire.
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt Resolution proclaiming and ratifying a Local Emergency, as a result of the 2025 Garnet Fire.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will ensure that the local emergency status proclaimed by the Emergency Services Director on August 26, 2025, remains in effect and allows for the potential recovery of eligible costs.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
No viable options are available.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommended action is necessary to ensure specific liability protection, emergency powers of the Emergency Services Director, and potential recovery of eligible costs, if any, from State and Federal emergency funds.
DISCUSSION:
California Government Code (GC), section (?) 8630 authorizes proclamation of a local emergency by your Board or by an official so designated by ordinance when your Board is not in session and cannot immediately be called into session. Fresno County Ordinance Code, Chapter 2.44, designates the County Administrative Officer as the Emergency Services Director. Pursuant to County Ordinance, your Board is requested to confirm the proclamation of a local emergency within seven days by ratifying the proclamation and adopting the resolution.
The Garnet Fire continues to pose a significant threat to life and property in Fresno County. Evacuations are in effect, drought and tree mortality have increased fuel loads, and weather conditions, including lightning and wind, present the potential for further fire spread. The conditions exceed the control and capacity of local resources, necessitating assistance through the mutual aid system and state/federal support.
Pursuant to GC, ?8630 and County Ordinance, Chapter 2.44 on August 26, 2025, due to the rapid rate of growth of the wildfire, t...
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